EUReCA! Student Assistant Identifying Collaborative Networks
The EURēCA! Student Assistants Program provides introductory opportunities for CU Denver undergraduates to engage in research and creative activities. Students MUST complete the EURēCA! Presentation and Quizzes in Canvas (30min) to apply for all EURēCA! positions. Register Here.
For more information, view visual guide: Applying for EURēCA! on Handshake, learn more on the EURēCA! Program Website, or email undergrad.research@ucdenver.edu.
Employer/Dept: University of Colorado Denver/ Department of School of Public Affairs
Supervisors: José Antonio Sánchez, Ph.D; Alejandra Medina, Ph.D
Job Title: EURēCA! Student Assistant Identifying Collaborative Networks
Job Location/Address: CU Denver / This position can be flexible with some remote and some on-campus components.
Purpose: This research project examines the impact of collaborative networks among public, nonprofit, and private organizations on the delivery of public services, with a focus on performance and network structure. The study aims to understand how inter-organizational networks function in practice, the challenges they face, and how they can be improved to better serve their communities. The project will identify service delivery networks at the local level in the United States and Latin American countries, conducting both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Learn more: Dr. Sánchez, Dr. Medina
Position Description: The undergraduate research assistant will work closely with the principal investigators to support all phases of the research process. This includes contributing to study design, conducting literature reviews, assisting with outreach and participant recruitment, and collecting and analyzing data. The assistant will gain hands-on experience in public administration research, research design, and the development of survey and interview instruments, with a particular focus on studying collaborative governance and public service delivery networks.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct a literature review on collaborative governance, inter-organizational networks, and public service delivery.
- Complete COMIRB research ethics training.
- Assist with outreach to public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders.
- Manage and analyze archival data from public records and organizational reports.
- Draft a short summary of key findings for academic and practitioner audiences.
Skills and Knowledge Gained:
- Critical thinking and problem-solving in public administration contexts
- Research design and methods skills
- Recruitment, sampling, and survey methodology implementation
- IRB and ethical research practices
- Data collection, management, and analysis
- Communication and stakeholder engagement
- Exposure to academic publishing
Minimum Qualifications:
- Strong work ethic and reliability
- Spanish language proficiency (fluent writing, reading, and speaking minimum 85%)
- Good academic standing
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Familiarity with Microsoft Excel or similar tools for data management
- Comfort with professional outreach and scheduling via Zoom
Preferred Qualifications:
- Coursework in public administration, political science, or related fields (Preferred but not required)
- Interest in public policy, public administration or nonprofit management is preferred but not required.
Position Commitment: 8 hours/week (dependent on work-study status)
Preferred Work Times: Afternoons. Flexibility in terms of days of the week.
Additional Application Notes:
Virtually none of our most pressing public challenges can be resolved by one individual or organization. Local governments must engage in collaborative dynamics with nonprofits, private organizations, and individuals to address public problems and produce public goods. This project will allow you to learn how to identify these collaborative dynamics and how to systematically learn from successful cases that can be replicated in other public spaces.
Length of Employment:
This position is available for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, employment may continue at Dr. José Antonio Sánchez’ discretion. Please reach out to j.sanchez@ucdenver.edu with any questions. If both mentor and mentee agree, students can apply to continue with EURēCA! for a second year.
Application Requirements:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Complete 2025-2026 FAFSA or CASFA and attach one of the following:
- Screenshot of email from Financial Aid stating potential work-study eligibility
- Screenshot of current 25/26 Work-Study award amount in Student Portal
- Statement on other status (e.g. international student)
- Learn more about work-study here. Please note: limited hourly funding is available, email undergrad.research@ucdenver.edu with questions about your status.