Job Details

Position Summary

The Tier 2 Innovation & Technology Research Assistant continues the responsibilities of the Tier 1 position while taking on more independent research, analysis, and technology evaluation assignments.

Tier 1 Responsibilities

Tier 2 students will continue to:

• Research technology products, vendors, AI tools, and emerging technology trends.
• Gather and organize information from multiple sources.
• Assist with technology and vendor comparisons.
• Research technology practices at other universities and organizations.
• Prepare summaries, charts, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Support special projects, meetings, demonstrations, and technology evaluations.

Additional Tier 2 Responsibilities

In addition to Tier 1 responsibilities, Tier 2 students will:

• Conduct research assignments with greater independence.
• Develop more detailed product and vendor comparisons using identified criteria.
• Analyze research findings and identify key differences, advantages, limitations, and potential use cases.
• Prepare briefing materials and summaries that highlight important findings.
• Assist with identifying potential technology solutions for departmental needs or opportunities.
• Participate more actively in vendor demonstrations and technology evaluations by identifying questions and key takeaways.
• Provide initial observations or recommendations based on research findings.

Primary Responsibilities

• Independently research emerging technologies, artificial intelligence tools, software products, vendors, and industry trends.
• Conduct detailed product and vendor comparisons based on identified needs and evaluation criteria.
• Analyze research findings and identify key advantages, limitations, differences, and potential use cases.
• Research technology practices and trends at other universities and organizations.
• Develop research summaries, comparison charts, briefing materials, and presentations.
• Assist with evaluating potential technology solutions for operational needs or opportunities.
• Participate in vendor demonstrations, meetings, and technology evaluations and document key findings and follow-up questions.
• Support pilots, special projects, and innovation initiatives.
• Maintain organized research and documentation for ongoing technology projects.
• Present research findings and initial recommendations to the Associate Director of Innovation and Technology and other team members as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience researching or comparing technologies, products, or vendors.
• Familiarity with artificial intelligence or emerging technology tools.
• Experience with data analysis, visualization, presentations, or written reports.
• Interest or coursework in business, technology, information sciences, computer science, communications, marketing, research, or related areas.
• Experience with project management or process improvement.

The student will receive monthly feedback to discuss current work, progress, questions, and any areas for improvement.

At the end of each semester, a more comprehensive performance review will be completed to discuss strengths, areas for growth, progress toward expectations, accomplishments, and readiness for additional responsibilities as appropriate.