PhD Position Available
Technical and Scientific Communication
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Application deadline: 16 January 2025
The Center for Sustainable Engagement in the Arctic (CSEA) at Virginia Tech invites applications for a PhD position in technical and scientific communication. This 20 hours/week paid graduate research assistantship will be located in Blacksburg, Virginia.
The CSEA, founded by Dr. Cana Uluak Itchuaqiyaq, is a Virginia Tech initiative dedicated to advancing community-driven, community-led service and research that address Arctic Indigenous community priorities. The center, slated to open in Fall 2025, is committed to leveraging technical and scientific expertise to support Arctic Indigenous leadership in research and create sustainable, community-defined outcomes.
CSEA is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) with a background or interest in rhetoric and writing, particularly in technical and scientific communication, to support the center’s operations, research, and outreach initiatives (20 hours/week). The GRA will work closely with Dr. Itchuaqiyaq and the CSEA team to develop communication strategies, technical materials, grant proposals, and documentation that reflect CSEA’s mission of community-driven, Arctic-focused engagement. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative, sustainable research and technical and scientific communication practices that prioritize Arctic Indigenous leadership.
Responsibilities include:
- Technical and Scientific Communication Support:
- Develop accessible, culturally responsive scientific communication materials for Arctic Indigenous communities (e.g., technical reports, plain-language guides to research, and informational brochures).
- Assist in creating funding proposals, research reporting and sharing documents, and public outreach materials.
- Research Support:
- Document community consultation activities and contribute to strategic planning for long-term research projects.
- Conduct literature reviews and analyses to inform community-prioritized research projects.
- Administrative Assistance:
- Assist with project coordination, grant management tasks, scheduling, and other administrative duties as needed to support CSEA’s operations.
- Maintain clear records of communication and outputs to align with community-defined goals.
Qualifications include:
- Acceptance and enrollment in the Department of English Rhetoric and Writing PhD program at Virginia Tech with a focus on Technical and Scientific Communication, or a related field;
- Strong writing, editing, and organizational skills with an ability to adapt technical materials for diverse audiences;
- Interest or experience in science, community-engaged research, Arctic studies, or Indigenous knowledge systems is preferred; and
- Proficiency with digital tools for project management, communication, and data visualization is a plus.
The GRA position includes tuition remission, a stipend, and health benefits in accordance with Virginia Tech policies.
Interested candidates should submit an application to the Rhetoric and Writing PhD program and indicate CSEA interest in application letter. Applications must include one to two paragraphs on why you’re interested in CSEA and would be a good fit.
Applications should be submitted to the Virginia Tech Graduate School.
Application deadline: 16 January 2025
For additional information about the Rhetoric and Writing program and this position, please visit the Rhetoric and Writing program’s website and contact Dr. Carolyn Commer, Rhetoric and Writing Graduate Program Director at ccommer [at] vt.edu.