Research Assistant - Center on Reinventing Public Education

University of Washington Bothell, Center on Reinventing Public Education
has an outstanding opportunity for a GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT, IT/COMPUTING SUPPORT.

The Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) is a research center at the University of Washington Bothell. The Center engages in research and analysis aimed at developing focused, effective and accountable schools in urban areas, and systems that support them. The Center’s work seeks to inform community leaders, policy makers, school and school system leaders and the research community. The Center pursues a national program of research and development on such proposals as charter schools, school contracting, equitable district budgeting policies, choice, and school system decentralization. It also conducts research into reform initiatives in Washington State and the Seattle Public Schools.

BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The CRPE Research Assistant for CRPE IT/Computing Support will support the research of the center by providing general computer support to the Center’s approximately 35 staff members, including faculty, researchers and graduate students, along with collaborators and contractors. We are a predominantly Apple computing environment.

Responsibilities include:

o Provide technical support to all Center staff – installing, maintaining and upgrading Macs connected to onsite and campus servers and resources via Ethernet and onsite wireless. Including support given over phone/email to off-site staff.
o OSX Server (Xserve): immediate backups, restorations, user account updates/management, etc. using Retrospect, ARD, and Workgroup Manager.
o Windows XP Secure Data Network (SDN) Server: installing new data sets, software, patches as needed; troubleshooting printer and software issues along with the 5 Windows XP workstations.

o Update and maintain system level software (Mac OS 10.3 through OS X 10.5.4, device drivers, memory managers and communications and network software). Install and configure hardware, software, and peripheral devices to allow easy and secure interface with our server and UW computing network.

o Assist in software support (provide training, troubleshooting and maintenance) for all Center staff including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and especially Endnote, Adobe design products, SPSS, FileMaker Pro, Palm (along with synching issues).

o Track and maintain computer inventory, insurance database, and software inventory and compliance.

o Analyze current systems and research new product releases, security patches, updates, relevant new technology, and methods in order to streamline and improve processes. Evaluate and communicate proposed updates/changes, along with costs, to staff.

o Other duties as assigned.

The Research Assistant will report to Paul Hill, PhD, Research Professor at CRPE and will consult closely with the Center’s research faculty and staff.

Position Location: CRPE is located in an off-campus office (near the main Seattle campus), by Gasworks Park in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle.


To Apply : Please email cover letter and resume to Karen Mooseker at kmoose@u.washington.edu.

Date Available: Now

Application Deadline: January 5, 2009

Notification Deadline: January 12, 2009
Requirements:
Current UW Graduate Student in Computer Science or other discipline with demonstrated technology skills and experience.

o Experience with Apple computer support (OS 10.3 -10.5.4), with at least two years of increasing responsibility.
o Proficient with OS Xserve, including configuring and troubleshooting Workgroup manager and Retrospect
o Familiarity with Windows XP; proficiency configuring and troubleshooting workstation, server, and LAN functionality
o The candidate must possess excellent communication skills, with ability to pleasantly and professionally relate technical issues to non-technical staff. Must be able to prioritize, multi-task and follow through. IT Help-desk or technical support experience preferred.
Candidates must possess excellent organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to think analytically and creatively. Also required are excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to self-direct and organize time and tasks.
Desired:
Formal Apple training a plus. Database experience (Filemaker Pro) and experience with cross-platform issues; UNIX and/or networking experience; Experience with HTML, BASH, PERL or similar languages; Interest and/or experience in the Education and/or non-profit field; Ability to quickly learn software and identify resources for issue resolution; A background in teaching and/or education policY.
Condition of Employment:
Must be able to lift and move computer equipment.

Graduate Staff Assistant - Information School

Position:
Graduate Staff Assistant-Online Learning

Location:
Information School, UW

Start Date: As Soon As Possible
End Date: 06/15/09

Position Description:
Under the supervision of the Online Learning Administrator, assist in delivering web technology support and web development products related to online learning to faculty, staff and students.

This Position will average 20 hours per week.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Maintain help/training documentation for learners, faculty, and staff for the Information School's online learning program and technologies.
• Maintain templates for online course web sites.
• Provide assistance to the Online Learning Administrator as she supports and guides instructors in the process of developing and running an online or hybrid course.
• Take the lead on coordinating with other GSAs who work with instructors teaching in the online mode.
• Assist with training for new Online MLIS students at orientation.
• Consult with faculty about course tool use
• Run and/or create workshops for faculty and staff on various educational technology topics and tools
• Investigate and possibly implement new and existing Web 2.0 technologies
• Assist the Online Learning Administrator as necessary.
Requirements:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills required.
• Advanced problem solving skills
• Ability to write about technical issues in a clear and concise manner.
• Demonstrated positive customer service attitude, good interpersonal skills and ability to work well with others.
• Ability to work responsibly with or without direct supervision
• Self-reliant in researching solutions to accomplish assigned tasks.
• Previous web development experience; especially in directly editing HTML and CSS code and working with various rich media

Desired Skills:

Familiarity with:
• Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro
• Dreamweaver or MS Expression Web
• JavaScript
• W3C and 508 standards.

This position is open to all Information School students currently enrolled as of winter quarter 2009. Undergraduate students will be compensated at a competitive hourly rate DOE. Graduate level students are eligible for tuition waiver and benefits (percentage of tuition covered is dependent upon the program the student is enrolled in). If the start date is after January 15, 2009, a tuition waiver will not be available for winter quarter; however, a spring tuition waiver will be available. Questions regarding salary and benefits should be directed to Crystal Yost, Human Resources Coordinator crystaly@u.washington.edu or 206-543-4738. Students must be enrolled for a minimum of 10 credits each quarter to be eligible.

To apply:
1. Please include a cover letter describing your skills and experiences relevant to position.
2. Attach a current resume that includes your work history and academic accomplishments.

Please submit all application materials to Uli Parker at iApply@washington.edu or to Mary Gates Hall, Suite 370, no later than on January 5th. All candidates will be contacted within two weeks of closing date.

UW Retirement Association Scholarships

The University of Washington Retirement Association announces the availability of up to four scholarships of at least $3,000 for UW students (undergraduate or graduate) studying toward careers that focus on aging-related research or provision of services to older adults. A copy of the poster about this scholarship is attached.

Awards are based on demonstrated promise and financial need.

Applications are available on-line, at
http://depts.washington.edu/retiremt/uwra. Click on 'Scholarships and Fellowships' under "What We Offer" on the left side of the home page. Scroll down to find the link to the downloadable PDF application form. Print the application form.

Applications, including additional information requested, must be complete to be considered. Deadline for applications is February 2, 2009. Submit complete applications to Scholarship Services Office, Room 172 Schmitz Hall.

Awards are credited to student accounts in Spring 2009.

Questions? Contact the UWRA office by emailing retiremt@u.washington.edu or calling 206-543-8600.

Graduate Research Fellowship - Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium

Two additional spring graduate fellowships are being offered by Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium (WSGC). These fellowships are for support in Spring Quarter 2009 only. The application deadline is February 13, 2009.

WSGC offers research fellowships to current graduate students who are working in areas of science, technology, engineering or math that are directly related to NASA research interests.

These fellowships provide tuition for Spring Quarter 2009 and a $5,000 award to UW graduate students who are primarily supported by teaching assistantships and have little or no funding to support research projects required for their master's or doctoral thesis.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and Washington state residents.
Applicants must also be working as a UW teaching assistant at the time of application.

For application information follow the link below:

http://www.waspacegrant.org/grduate.html

A WSGC cover page must be submitted with your application materials.

Submit applications to:

Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium
University of Washington
Box 351310
Seattle, WA 98195-1310

or in person in Johnson Hall, Room 141.

Questions? Contact:

J.Carlos Chavez
Student Program Coordinator and Advisor
Washington NASA Space Grant
University of Washington
163 Johnson Hall Box 351310
Phone: 206-543-8919
Fax: 206-543-0179
www.waspacegrant.org

Teaching Assistantship - The Information School

Location
The Information School, UW

Position Description
TA for INFO 100: Fluency in Information Technology

We are seeking applicants for a TA position for the undergraduate informatics course INFO 100: Fluency in Information Technology. (This class is also cross-listed with CSE 100.) This is an introductory course focusing on the skills, concepts, and capabilities necessary to effectively use information technology. This course touches on such topics as logical reasoning, managing complexity, operation of computers and networks, and contemporary applications such as effective Web searching and database manipulation, ethical aspects, and social impacts of information technology.

Responsibilities may include some or all of the following duties: attend lectures, conduct lab section meetings, facilitate discussions, hold extra review sessions for exams, obtain room for review sessions, request or acquire necessary equipment, hold regular office hours, tutor students, manage and respond to course-related e-mail, prepare and maintain webpage for course materials, develop and maintain electronic bulletin boards, discussion sites, etc., prepare and grade assignments, prepare test questions, proctor and score exams, maintain grading records, prepare and maintain course attendance records, calculate quarter grades, request student assessments for course, attend instructor/TA meetings, act as liaison between student and professor, prepare and present lecture materials, prepare overheads, prepare handout materials, review literature, place course materials on library reserve.

Requirements:
Teaching assistants should have a strong interest in working with computer novices and demonstrated skills or experience teaching computer skills. Proficiency in the course content is necessary – operation of computers and networks, client-server architecture, web design and development (XHTML preferred), programming (JavaScript preferred), logical reasoning, managing complexity, database manipulation and queries (Access preferred) – etc. Prior TA experience preferred.

This position will average 20 hours per week. This course meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:30-1:20 in Hitchcock Hall, room 132 from January 5th through March 20th. TAs must attend all classes, be available to lead 2 lab sections per week and hold regular weekly office hours. Specific lab assignments to be designated by instructor by first day of class. Lab days & times include the following (note: locations listed in the time schedule are incorrect):

Section 1 - Mondays & Wednesdays 3:30-4:20, Location TBD
Section 2 - Mondays & Wednesdays 1:30-2:20, Location TBD
Section 6 - Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30-10:20, Location TBD
Section 7 - Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:30-2:20, Location TBD
Section 8 - Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:30-3:20, Location TBD
Section 8 - Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:30-1:20, Location TBD


This position is open to all University of Washington students. Undergraduate students will be compensated at a competitive hourly rate DOE. Masters and PhD level students are eligible for tuition waiver and benefits. The percentage of tuition covered is dependent upon the program the student is enrolled in. Questions regarding salary and benefits should be directed to Crystal Yost, Human Resources Coordinator crystaly@u.washington.edu. Successful student must be enrolled for a minimum of 10 credits winter quarter 2009 to be eligible.

To apply
1. Please include a cover letter describing your skills and experiences relevant to position.
2. Attach a current resume that includes your work history and academic accomplishments.

Please submit all application materials to Uli Parker at iApply@washington.edu or to Mary Gates Hall, Suite 370, no later than on Thursday, December 11th. All candidates will be contacted within two weeks of closing date.