Research Assistant for the John G. Heyburn II Initiative

Job Title
Research Assistant for the John G. Heyburn II Initiative


Requisition Number
DU13627


Department Name
88000:LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION


Work Location
Lexington, KY


Salary Range
15.00


Type of Position
Student


Position Time Status
Part-Time


Required Education

Must be currently enrolled in UK Rosenberg College of Law



Required Related Experience

N/A



Required License/Registration/Certification

N/A



Physical Requirements

Sitting for periods of time working on a computer, able to lift objects 10-20 lbs



Shift

15-20 hours per week between 9 AM-5PM, August-December 2025.



Job Summary

The John G. Heyburn II Initiative for Excellence in the Federal Judiciary is a partnership between UK Rosenberg College of Law and the Libraries to document the U.S. Judicial Branch, particularly Kentucky’s role in the federal judiciary.

The Heyburn Initiative seeks a research assistant (RA) for the Fall 2025 semester to develop scholarly and/or educational resources on legal and constitutional history that draw on the Libraries’ archival collections and oral history interviews. Other duties may be assigned as needed. The research assistant will work directly with law and library faculty.

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and writing sample. The writing sample should be a two- to three-page essay on federal judicial independence. Applicant may describe a federal case or a particular moment in American history that exemplifies how courts have understood judicial independence or acted to defend their independence. Applicants may write about particular holdings at any level of the federal court system (e.g., Supreme Court and Marbury v. Madison), a particular historical situation (e.g., President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s threat to pack the Supreme Court), or some other example at the district or appellate level from earlier time periods.



Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Strong legal research and writing skills; strong verbal communication skills; ability to work independently to meet key project deadlines



Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No


Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply
07/31/2025


Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.