Research Assistant for the John G. Heyburn II Initiative

Job Title :

Research Assistant for the John G. Heyburn II Initiative

Requisition Number : DU13991

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 :

10-20 hours per week between 9 AM-5PM, January-May 2026.

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 Spring 2026 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 essay. The essay ( specific request 2 ) 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

Deadline to Apply : 11 / 02 / 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.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

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.