Graduate Summer Research Fellowship
Center for Integrative Relational Health
Graduate Summer Research Fellowship Opportunity
Position Overview
The Center for Integrative Relational Health seeks Graduate Summer Research Fellows to conduct a comprehensive exploration of authentic relational community models across multiple sectors. This 10-week fellowship will involve working collaboratively to identify, analyze, and document concrete frameworks for developing meaningful human connections within teams, agencies, organizations, and institutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement a structured research methodology to identify existing models of authentic relational communities
- Conduct literature reviews across disciplines including psychology, sociology, education, religion and spirituality, healthcare, and organizational development
- Interview practitioners and community leaders who have successfully implemented relational frameworks
- Observe and document functioning relational communities in diverse settings
- Analyze commonalities, differences, and context-specific adaptations across models
- Develop case studies highlighting practical applications and outcomes
- Create accessible frameworks that organizations can adapt to their specific contexts
- Prepare a comprehensive report and presentation of findings
- Contribute to the development of assessment tools to measure relational authenticity
Research Focus Areas
Fellows will explore questions including:
- What structural elements support authentic relationships in different organizational contexts?
- How do power dynamics influence the formation of authentic relational communities?
- What practices facilitate psychological safety and vulnerability within group settings?
- How do successful relational communities navigate conflict and repair?
- What metrics can effectively assess the health and impact of relational communities?
- How do different cultural contexts shape relational practices?
- What barriers prevent the formation of authentic relational connections in institutional settings?
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in a graduate program in psychology, sociology, education, public health, organizational development, or related field
- Strong qualitative research skills and experience with interview methodologies
- Familiarity with concepts of community building and relational health
- Demonstrated interest in how authentic relationships contribute to individual and community wellbeing
- Excellent analytical abilities and pattern recognition skills
- Outstanding written and verbal communication
- Self-directed with ability to work independently while contributing to a research team
- Experience in multiple or transdisciplinary contexts a plus
Fellowship Outcomes
Selected fellows will work collaboratively to produce:
- A preliminary assessment tool to measure relational authenticity
- A comprehensive research report documenting findings
- Case studies highlighting successful implementations
- An adaptable framework for implementing relational communities
- Recommendations for future research directions
Details
- Duration: 10 weeks [flexible start and end dates between June - August 2025]
- Flexible Schedule: Selected fellows meet with the founder for a regular meeting (either weekly or biweekly depending on the need/interest). We anticipate 10 hours each week or less for this role.
- Compensation: $2,000 stipend
- Location: Remote
- Application Deadline: April 16, 2025
- Requirements: CV/resume, research statement (2 pages max), at least one academic reference
The Center for Integrative Relational Health is committed to building a diverse research community and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.