Job Description

Location The Information School, UW

Position Title CIP Student Assistant

Anticipated Start Date: 09/16/2026

End Date: 11/30/2026

Approximate number of hours: 10 hours/week maximum

The University of Washington Information School is recruiting undergraduate students for the 2024 Election Rumor Research Project Undergraduate Research Assistant position.

Researchers at the Center for Informed Public (CIP) are developing novel methodologies for rapidly identifying and analyzing rumors online as part of our 2026 Election Rumor Research. We are particularly interested in developing strategies for monitoring and detecting rumoring on a variety of social media platforms, including X, TikTok, YouTube, Kalshi, Polymarket and others, and seek undergraduate research assistants to help with this

In this role, undergraduate assistants will use social media monitoring tools, run queries on social media platforms and tools, and conduct discovery tasks related to rumors surrounding the 2026 U.S. elections. Students will work with a team of researchers to find and document trends, rumors, and other content related to election integrity. Interested assistants will also support the dissemination of our research to other researchers, journalists, and communities of shared practice.

This position is during the Fall 2026 quarter and students will be expected to perform 10 hours of work per week on average, including up to 2 hours of synchronous work over Zoom or in-person. Students are also expected to be available for specific urgent events as well as in-office evening coverage of election night and the day after, which may include night or weekend work hours.

This is an interdisciplinary research team and we seek candidates with a broad range of experiences and skills. We welcome candidates from any academic discipline or field of study. The ideal candidates are students who have an interest in democracy, election procedure, U.S. politics, digital life, pop cultural trends as they relate to politics, and the “pulse” of internet subcultures. They should also have an interest in social media analysis, either qualitatively and quantitatively. Special interest in or previous research on Tiktok, prop betting, or X is a bonus. We especially value students who come to this role with unique understandings of online fandoms, subcultures, and communities across political, geographic, religious, ethnic, racial, and LGBT identities. Foreign language skills are a bonus. We also value experience creating on social media platforms.

Responsibilities may include some or all the following duties:

• Use Social media monitoring tools
• Run queries on social media platforms and tools
• Conduct discovery tasks related to rumors surrounding the 2024 elections
• Work with a research team to find and document trends, rumors and other content related to election integrity
• Share and disseminate relevant research findings to the public
• Attend in person events on the Election, including evening/weekend hours
• Work in person during synchronous shift sessions (some exceptions made for Zoom attendance)

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate at the University of Washington
• Experience using or studying social media platforms
• Able to work 10 hours a week this fall, with additional hours and potential coverage on nights and weekends during election week
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially regarding shift availability
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Must be committed to honesty, integrity, and intellectual curiosity when exposed to a diversity of ideas
• Quick to adapt to new project management, AI, and social media monitoring tools

Application Instructions

Application:

Please apply on Interfolio by 9:00pm PST on application close date.

To apply:

1. Please include a cover letter briefly describing your skills and experiences relevant to this type of position in one page or less.
2. Attach a current resume that includes your work history and academic accomplishments.
3. Be prepared to thoroughly answer application questions.

Compensation $21.76 per hour

Note: This position is not benefits eligible. Questions regarding compensation should be directed to iSchool Staff Human Resources at istaffhr@uw.edu

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.