University of Nebraska at Omaha

Responsibilities 

The research assistant will work closely with the project Principal Investigator, research associate and others to produce impactful work that educates the public about today’s most pressing issues in counterterrorism and extremism.   

Responsibilities will involve: 

• Identify and download suitable open-source data.
• Code perpetrator information.
• Organizing and assistance managing database of coded information
• Prepping materials for end-user meetings and events.
• Assist with preparation of regular reporting requirements.  
• Attending weekly in-person meetings.  

NCITE provides cutting edge research, academic, and workforce development programs for counterterrorism professionals across the Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE).  July 2025 began the 6th year of a 10-year Cooperative Agreement between UNO and DHS Science and Technology, Office of University Programs. NCITE is an interdisciplinary, federally funded DHS COE housed in Scott Technology Center on UNO’s vibrant Scott Campus in Omaha’s entrepreneurial Aksarben Neighborhood. Learn more about the NCITE Center at www.unomaha.edu/ncite. 

About UNO 

UNO is a vibrant, metropolitan university in the state’s largest city with an enrollment of approximately 15,000 students. UNO is classified as a doctoral research university in the latest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and the Athletic program competes in NCAA division I. UNO also has the distinction of being one of the nation’s leaders in engagement and outreach with a 2015 Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation. The campus is located in the heart of Omaha, a cosmopolitan city of more than 600,000 (1.2 million including the larger Omaha metro area), which is known for its excellent public school system and strong economic base. The city is home to a number of racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse groups, and is characterized by myriad places to eat, live, and shop.

The ideal candidate will be a current undergraduate or graduate (i.e. Masters) student, studying or with a background in a relevant field, i.e., criminology, psychology, political sciences or business. Other qualifications include: 

• Must be admitted and enrolled in an academic program at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Undergraduate applicants must have taken or are currently enrolled in a research methods course at the university-level.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, and other Microsoft 365 Applications.
• Eagerness to learn about open-source research practices.
• Passionate about current events, particularly national security, and counterterrorism topics, or have a willingness to learn more about them.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate within a team setting 

All applications materials will be treated as confidential per University of Nebraska Omaha and Nebraska State Law.  

UNO is committed to diversity among faculty and staff. The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, height, weight, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. With a metropolitan mission, UNO serves a diverse student body and is actively engaged with the community as a leader, supporter, and partner. 

University of Nebraska at Omaha is committed to addressing the family needs of faculty, including dual career couples and single parents. We encourage candidates who have had non-traditional career paths, or who have taken time off for family reasons, to apply for this position. The University of Nebraska at Omaha is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. For the complete University of Nebraska nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see https://www.unomaha.edu/office-of-equity-access-and-diversity/index.php. 

Job Location

Scott Technology Center - Omaha, NE 

Application Requirements 

• Resume
• Cover letter -no more than one page
• Name and contact information of 1-2 references 

Contacts

For any questions, please contact the Primary Investigator (PI), Dr. Bettina Rottweiler (brottweiler@nebraska.edu), and Brenna Helm (bhelm@nebraska.edu).