SESIL hires Swarthmore students of any major and class year as research assistants. Research assistants work five or six hours a week during the term, paid hourly, and meet weekly in person as a group. Sophomores and juniors are especially encouraged to apply. Students can continue over several semesters, including summers, depending on continued interest and available funding. Summer work may be supported by the college’s summer research awards or other funding, and research assistants are given preference for summer positions.
The work begins with shared readings and examples, then moves toward more autonomous research with close advising. Students develop research skills through sustained work on a common project, including learning to use AI agents responsibly, check their output and explain their findings to the group.
Applications for 2026–27
Applications for research assistants are due Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. The call describes the work, the requirements and the application.
Questions are welcome at pcreanz1@swarthmore.edu.