Gaynor Research Assistant 2026 (Student Wage)

University of Virginia • Charlottesville, VA

16h • Onsite

About The Position

Assist with extending an existing spatial model of text-based ideology derived from congressional floor speeches (Congress.gov) and social media posts. Research assistant should have experience with Python, using bespoke APIs for scraping material, natural language processing, machine learning, and handling big data (especially large collections of textual documents). PyTorch experience is a plus. Research assistant will need access to at least one high-memory GPU, via either their own machine or UVA’s Data Analytics Center. Knowledge or interest in the U.S. Congress a plus. Willing to collaborate on a small team. Undergrad student wage position for less than 20 hours per week.

Requirements

• Python
• Using bespoke APIs for scraping material
• Natural language processing
• Machine learning
• Handling large data (especially large collections of textual documents)
• Access to at least one high-memory GPU, either their own machine or via the UVA Data Analytics Center
• Current undergrad UVA student

Nice To Haves

• PyTorch experience
• Knowledge or interest in the U.S. Congress

Responsibilities

• Extending an existing spatial model of text-based ideology derived from congressional floor speeches (Congress.gov) and social media posts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree