Summer 2026

Student Success Research Fellow

Organizational Information

South Texans Hector and Gloria López believed in the power of higher education.  They knew intuitively what the data currently show–that higher education correlates to greater economic mobility, increased employment options, civic engagement, and often better health and wellness. The foundation they created, the Hector and Gloria López Foundation (HGLF), is committed to increasing the number of university graduates with a bachelor's degree, providing the resources to graduate debt-free on a path to a rewarding career and with the leadership skills needed for future success. Learn more at https://www.hglopezfoundation.org/

Overview of the Philanthropy Team

The Philanthropy Team makes grants directly to nonprofits supporting students in Texas attending higher education institutions that are intentional and strategic about student success and economic opportunity for all.  Students attend both public and private four-year universities located in HGLF priority regions (west, central, and southern Texas). Funding primarily supports undergraduate scholarships and student success services for a cohort of López Scholars, bearing the name of the founders. 

This position will report directly to the Director of Data & Strategic Impact. In addition, this position will work closely with the Database Manager and the rest of the Philanthropy Team.  This fellowship may also include opportunities to collaborate with other Foundation departments. 

Fellowship Description

The fellowship (starting Summer 2026 for up to one year) is an opportunity for a current or recent Ph.D. student or Ph.D. candidate to conduct primary or secondary research into topics that support the Foundation's grantmaking strategy. HGLF seeks applicants with an interest in conducting postsecondary research to advance economic opportunity via higher ed access and success in Texas, particularly by synthesizing information on program best practices and research. The Fellow will be equipped to undertake a research project independently, using quantitative research methodologies. The fellow will have the opportunity to apply best practices in research compilation; disaggregating data; accessing databases and managing datasets; and applying research to practice; as well as discretion to propose and research topics of interest.

Specific tasks include:

  • Helping design and conduct research supporting the Foundation’s scholarship funding strategies

  • Conducting, analyzing and writing research reports based on primary data sources

  • Compiling research in literature reviews on topics of interest to the foundation (e.g. workforce outcomes and return on investment for graduate degrees)

  • Analyzing data and writing briefs (e.g. white papers on developing issues like rural student needs)

  • Conducting primary qualitative research (surveys, focus groups, interviews) 

  • Requesting and cleaning data from public databases

  • Responding to internal research and data requests

  • Drafting talking points for internal or external presentations on subjects of interest

  • Staying informed on news and policy issues affecting college students today 

  • and other tasks as they arise (e.g. all staff attend 2026 Leadership Summit if possible)

As the Foundation does not employ any dedicated clerical staff, all staff are expected to do their own clerical work and on occasion help out with team preparations for events.

 

Dates of Fellowship: The fellowship begins full-time (<40 hours per week) mid-May through mid-August 2026, with possibility of extension part-time through Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. Specific start and end dates are flexible. 


Location: This position is primarily remote with quarterly in-person convenings at our downtown Austin office, 606 W 11th Street and with limited in-state travel for events (such as the 2026 Leadership Summit). 

 

Employment Authorization: Open to students or recent graduates with employment authorization.

 

Qualifications:

  • Current Ph.D. student/candidate, or recent Ph.D. graduate pursuing a fellowship year.
    Alternatively, completion of Master’s Degree and Bachelor’s Degree. 

  • At least 2 years research experience (related applied higher education may count toward experience).

  • Experience with quantitative research methods (statistical analysis).

  • Able to maintain confidentiality of student data and adhere to FERPA requirements. 

  • Committed to disaggregating data. You believe in improving outcomes for all students.

  • Detail-oriented. Others have described you as highly organized.

  • Able to prioritize a range of tasks across multiple projects.

  • Communicate clearly. You are able to synthesize complex ideas into concise prose. 

  • Embrace feedback and revision. You understand that great writing is iterative. 

  • Understand new concepts quickly. You continually absorb, integrate, or catalog new information and have experience conducting literature reviews and background research. 

  • Love data and respect sources. You are skilled in Excel. Accuracy and citing sources are important to you.

  • Adaptable to changing circumstances. You like to have a plan, but you are also flexible and comfortable making adjustments when necessary, working collaboratively with team members across projects.

  • Proficient in Google Office Suite (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Sheets, Google Slides, etc.) 

Bonus Qualifications (i.e., not required, but useful):

  • Proficient in reading, writing, and/or speaking Spanish

  • Experience with Tableau or similar data visualization software 

  • Experience with Qualtrics or similar survey software

  • Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM or database software 

 

Salary: Fellow will be paid in accordance with the Foundation’s normal payroll practices and will be subject to the usual required withholding.

  • $30-$35 hour (dependent on experience) up to 40 hours per week. 

Fellows are entitled to the Foundation’s paid holidays if a holiday falls on a day they would otherwise have worked, and accrue sick leave based on hours worked.  

Please upload a cover letter, resume, and writing sample. Applications received by noon Friday, March 13, 2026 will be prioritized. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.  Note: Your writing sample should show that you can write about complex research in a way that is targeted to readers who do not know about the topic (i.e., simple, clear, concise). If available, a sample such as an executive summary, brief,  press release, grant proposal, or memo may be preferable over a full academic research paper.

The Hector and Gloria López Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.