Sandie Sutherland Student Research Fellowship - Applications Open!

The Sandie Sutherland Fellowship offers Sacramento State students hands-on experience in applied social science research at the Institute for Social Research (ISR). This fellowship honors ISR's first Research Specialist, Sandie Sutherland, who played a crucial role in establishing the institute, and is funded through a generous donation from ISR founder Professor Emeritus Carole Barnes.

The Sandie Sutherland Fellow will participate in an active ISR research team, working directly with experienced researchers across multiple research projects. Throughout the fellowship, they will receive comprehensive research training and mentorship designed to develop their technical and analytical skills while providing opportunities to apply academic knowledge in a professional setting. This fellowship aims to enable students to make meaningful contributions to ongoing ISR projects, provide practical opportunities to apply academic knowledge and gain new research skills, foster professional development, and help fellows develop essential workplace skills including teamwork, communication, and time management. Fellows will also be introduced to diverse organizations and fields through ISR's research partners, spanning human services, education, environmental programs, economic development, and public health. This part-time employment opportunity is specifically structured to be compatible with academic commitments, designed to complement the fellow's academic schedule while providing valuable professional experience in social science research.

Fellowship Details

• Work Hours: 15-20 hours per week
• Location: In-person at Sacramento State Downtown (304 S Street, Sacramento, CA 95811)
• Duration: 2025–2026 academic year (August 2025 through May 2026), with the potential to continue working through summer 2026.
• Compensation: $20 per hour
• Other: The Fellowship provides up to $1,000 in support to attend at a professional conference related to the Fellow's field of study.

Eligibility Requirements

• Enrolled and in good standing for the entire academic year (fall and spring semesters) at Sacramento State in an undergraduate or graduate program in Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Public Policy, Public Health, Education, Social Work, or a related discipline
• Must be available to work at least 15 hours per week (maximum 20 hours) in person, at the Institute for Social Research office
• Interested in learning about social research, public policies, and community-based programs
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Good time-management and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively both within a team and independently
• Prior experience or coursework involving data analysis, research methods, or statistics preferred
• Prior experience with research analysis software (e.g., SPSS) and/or Qualtrics is helpful.

Application Process

To be considered for the Sutherland Fellowship, applicants must complete the online application in full by June 30, 2025. In the application form, students are required to provide:

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae: You will upload your resume or CV as a Word or PDF document. Include academic background, relevant coursework, and work experience.
• Cover Letter: You will upload your cover letter as a Word or PDF document. Cover letter should include: your interest in working as a part of a research team at the Institute for Social Research; relevant skills you currently have or wish to develop; and how this fellowship will support your academic and/or career goals. Cover letter should be a maximum of 500 words.
• Faculty Recommendation: You will provide the name, department, and email address for a faculty member who is willing to submit a recommendation on your behalf. Once your application is complete, ISR will reach out to the faculty member with a recommendation form that must be completed by July 13, 2025.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed based on academic background, relevant experience, and demonstrated interest in applied social research. Selected candidates will be invited for a virtual interview with ISR staff in July 2025. Final selection will be based on the extent to which the fellowship could meaningfully support their academic growth and career development in applied social research. Students will be notified on their application outcome by August 1, 2025.