The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs (ESIA) is one of the world’s leading schools of international affairs and one of the largest schools of international affairs in the United States. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., its mission is to educate the next generation of international leaders, conduct research that advances understanding of important global issues, and engage the policy community in the United States and around the world.

To support the School’s research mission, we seek an outstanding individual to be the Research Associate, Digital Trade and Data Governance Hub. This position is within the Elliott School’s Digital Trade & Data Governance Hub, reporting to Hub Director, Dr. Susan Aaronson. The Hub provides resources, training, events, and evidence-based research to help stakeholders understand data governance and digital trade. Today, researchers and firms use insights gleaned from analysis of large data sets to create new goods and services (a data-driven economy). Society will need to develop new rules to govern the use of that data. But given different national norms regarding data and the rapid pace of data-driven technological development, it will not be easy to find common ground on domestically and internationally accepted policies. The Hub works to help stakeholders and policymakers understand digital trade and data governance issues. This position will support the Hub’s work on The Institute for Trustworthy AI in Law & Society (TRAILS).

The Research Associate position is approximately 70% research and approximately 30% digital communications and maintenance, outreach, and event planning. This position independently carries out research/development activities by using quantitative and qualitative methods to collect, analyze and report data activities, under general guidance from the Hub Director. Using a certain degree of creativity and latitude, the core responsibilities of this position include making detailed observations, analyzing data, and interpreting results. This position compiles results and prepares technical reports and documentation of outcomes. The Research Associate is expected to be familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the relevant field.

Key responsibilities include:
Conduct research relevant to Digital Trade and Data Governance Hub mission, per supervision of Hub Director, on data driven technologies such as AI, digital trade, and data governance. Outcomes are evidence based publications.
Work with the Hub Director to develop datasets and metrics. Outcomes are research publications.
Propose ideas to help educate policymakers, the press, and the public about issues pertaining to data-driven change, data governance, and digital trade.
Assist the Hub Director with newsletter, webinars, and web pages.
Keep track of Hub mailing list and assist with event mailings.
Assist Hub director with event planning.
Direct outreach to other organizations such as AI research institutions, think tanks, human rights organizations etc.

Perform other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position. This is a hybrid position with some days in the office and some days remote.

The George Washington University’s culture reflects its shared values, including respect and diversity. The Elliott School recognizes that diversity and social mobility are among our country’s greatest assets in engaging the rest of the world; we are deeply committed as a school to fostering an inclusive community. To this end, we encourage candidates from diverse identities, backgrounds, and experiences. To learn more about the Elliott School’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, visit elliott.gwu.edu/diversity-and-inclusion.

If interested, please apply at: https://www.gwu.jobs/postings/112426

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.