Student Participation for Department of Defense Research (Paid)

Location: Washington DC- National Mall and START – University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Compensation: $200 honorarium after the event

Event Date:  October 23^rd, 2016 from 8AM-6PM and Preliminary Training (Date TBD) for 4 hours

General Project Description:

The Department of Defense (DOD) through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is supporting the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) in the federally funded research project titled “Mobile Radiation Detectors: Threat Perception and Device Acceptance.” This project falls under the SIGMA Program of DARPA, which aims to revolutionize detection and deterrent capabilities for countering nuclear terrorism. 

In order to test the feasibility of using small, portable radiation detectors in large urban settings, START and DARPA will be hosting an all-day event on Sunday, October 23rd, 2016.  The event is an interactive game that is designed to serve as a test deployment of these mobile radiation devices.  Using a set of clues, each participant in the game will be directed to specific locations in the National Mall, covering an area of approximately 5 square miles.  The information collected during the game will provide valuable information to DARPA regarding the adoption of the technology and gauge the functionality of the device in a populated environment akin to the urban setting in which the device could be used in. 

Participation Description:

START is seeking 50 researcher coordinators to participate on the day of the event.  The selected individuals will be required to attend a 4 hour preliminary training a few weeks before the event (most likely on the weekend).  The researcher coordinators will assist in:

• Game location set-up
• Organization of participants at game locations
• Registration activities
• Oversight of game rules during the event (including scoring system and enforcing game rules)
• Liaise with participants and game organizers
• Respond to questions from game participants.
• Additionally, researcher coordinators may be required carry the small mobile detectors (the same as the participants) during the event to provide additional data collection inputs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be enrolled in a higher-level education program from an accredited university (must be able to present school ID)
• Must be able to complete a W-9 Form for payment
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced event
• Ability to walk distances between 2 to 4 miles
• Ability to stand for intervals of 30-45 minutes at a time
• Ability to carry a pouch weighing 3-5 pounds

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with large groups of people affiliated to a higher institution (ex. organizer of Greek life events, community organizers, facilitators, etc.)
• Previous experience in event organizing
• Has previously worked/interned at START
• Interest in social science research and data collection

To Apply:

Please send resume to Michelle Jacome (mjacome@umd.edu). Please put “DARPA Participant” in the subject line of your email.  For best consideration apply by September 19^th, 2016.   

The University of Maryland is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.