Part-time research assistant

Handshake Media, Incorporated has a position open for a part-time research assistant.

Robert H. Giles, Jr., Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech, continues his academic work applying a systems approach to land and other natural resource management. Handshake Media, Incorporated provides business management services to Dr. Giles.

The research assistant will:

  • Meet at least weekly, in-person, with Dr. Giles in Blacksburg, Virginia.
  • Complete research and writing tasks assigned by Dr. Giles.
  • Proofread and edit 1,000-word blog posts by Dr. Giles, both handwritten and typed, at the rate of approximately 2 per week, and publish them with an accompanying in-house image using WordPress on the Rural System blog. Here’s a recent example.
  • Manage and perform maintenance on the Rural System blog.
  • Other than in-person meetings, work remotely as an independent contractor on assigned tasks for 10-15 hours per week, $15 per hour.
  • Complete unfilled weekly hours, if any, with research, writing, and site maintenance tasks for Handshake Media, Incorporated.
  • Abide by the Google Code of Conduct.

The successful applicant will:

  • have superior communication skills.
  • work effectively and productively without supervision.
  • respond to emails and texts as soon as possible, in under 24 hours, whether on week days or weekends.
  • have superior writing skills, preferably editorial skills and experience.
  • learn new software quickly (paid training is provided): WordPress, Dropbox, Basecamp, FreshBooks, PhotoShop or another image editing program.

To apply for the position, please send to [email protected]:

  • Résumé in .pdf format or link to online résumé
  • Link to LinkedIn profile
  • Link to online portfolio or to samples of writing/editing
  • 100-word statement expressing interest in, and fit for, the position
  • 3 dates and times available to meet for an interview with Dr. Giles at Our Daily Bread