Research Assistant

The Southeast Asia Research Assistant will support interdisciplinary research on Indigenous knowledge systems, environmental justice, and conservation governance in Southeast Asia, with a focus on the Penan of Borneo and other Indigenous communities across the region. The Southeast Asia Research Assistant will play a key role in organizing, analyzing, and synthesizing qualitative data interview transcripts, focus group notes), conducting literature reviews, supporting collaborative writing and reporting, and coordinating with regional partners and collaborators. This work directly supports the documentation and elevation of Indigenous voices in environmental decision-making, as well as the ethical integration of local knowledge into policy and conservation frameworks. Specific duties are : Lead and contribute to the drafting and revision of peer-reviewed journal manuscripts, research reports, and other scholarly publications related to Indigenous knowledge, environmental justice, and conservation in Southeast Asia; assist in writing grant proposals and practitioner-facing outputs that translate research findings for diverse audiences, including community collaborators and NGO partners, and indigenous communities; conduct literature reviews and synthesize scholarly and grey literature relevant to project themes; organize and analyze qualitative data interviews, focus groups), and assist in the development of conceptual frameworks; coordinate communications with Southeast Asian partners, collaborators, and Indigenous community representatives; support preparation of presentations, workshop materials, and content for a community-informed digital museum platform; maintain organized research files, data documentation, and version control for manuscripts and collaborative writing projects and participate in bi-weekly lab group meetings with graduate students and post-doctoral researchers. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Excellent writing and communication skills; previous experience working with partners and stakeholders on research; proven organizational skills; ability to work independently while adhering to tight timelines; experience in qualitative research methods Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Exposure to course work in geography or an environmental or social sciences field; regional expertise in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia; proficiency or working knowledge of relevant languages, such as Malay, Bahasa Indonesia, or Indigenous languages of Borneo; familiarity with Indigenous rights, conservation governance, or environmental policy frameworks in the region; experience with digital heritage, participatory mapping, or community-led documentation projects; demonstrated ability to work across disciplines and in cross-cultural, collaborative research environments. Special Physical / Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities