The Institute for Social Science Research is excited to announce an opportunity to provide undergraduate students with hands-on experience in social science research while supporting faculty in developing grant proposals. Students may assist with tasks such as conducting targeted literature reviews, summarizing empirical findings, managing and/or analyzing qualitative or quantitative data, generating pilot data, and helping draft or refine proposal narratives. The role offers insight into how social scientists design research questions, frame their work for funding agencies, and communicate the broader impacts of their studies. Students will have the potential to strengthen their analytical and/or writing skills while contributing directly to research projects within the social sciences. The first day will include a half-day workshop designed to provide students with the basic tools and knowledge connected to the grant proposal process and funding organizations, including nonprofit agencies and foundations and governmental agencies.
Faculty eligibility and additional support:
Faculty should be in a tenure stream or lecturer position (with research responsibilities) in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences targeting an external funding source of $10,000 or more in total costs. SBS faculty who are proposing an interdisciplinary research project are especially encouraged to apply. The faculty advisor will receive $1000 in RTF at the end of the 6-week period (Summer Session I or II) and an additional $1000 in RTF when the proposal is submitted.
Faculty application:
Faculty should apply through this Google form by March 13, 2026 at 5pm. Required materials to be uploaded through the form include a recent curriculum vitae, a brief statement (1 page max) describing your grant proposal idea (research question, plan for data collection and analyses, research significance, and other impacts), potential funders, how your research connects to the funders’ goals, and a brief statement (up to 500 words) describing how you see an undergraduate student assisting your proposal development and submission. If you are currently working with an undergraduate student or have a student who would be a good candidate for the opportunity, then you can list them on the application. In addition, you can indicate your willingness to work with other students who have applied for the opportunity.
Student eligibility and stipend:
Students should have a primary or secondary major in a degree program offered in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Undergraduates will be paid $3240 during Summer Session I or II ($18/hour X 30 hours X 6 weeks). In addition, students will receive $1806 to be spent on on-campus housing during this period. To receive on campus housing during the summer, students need to be enrolled as a full-time student during the following fall semester.
Student application:
Students should apply through this Google form which will open on March 16 and is due March 25, 2026 at 5pm. Required materials to be uploaded through the form include a copy of most recent transcripts, resume or curriculum vitae, a short cover letter (no more than 500 words) describing your interest and motivation for the opportunity, and a separate letter of support from a faculty member at UMass. The faculty letter of support should be emailed to Christina Hotalen ([email protected]). The Google form will list the available research projects and students will choose up to three projects of interest. We expect notifications of successful applications to be sent by March 30.