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Doctoral Assistant Job Description

Job Description: Doctoral Assistant

Position Title: Doctoral Assistant
Department: TBA
Reports to: Principal Investigator (PI) or Faculty Supervisor
Location: University Campus or Specific Department Location
Position Type: Part-time/Full-time (Based on departmental needs and funding availability)

Position Overview:

The Doctoral Assistant will work closely with faculty members, researchers, or departmental leaders to support various academic, research, and administrative tasks. This position provides an opportunity for doctoral students to gain valuable hands-on experience in their field of study while contributing to ongoing research projects and academic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Research Support:
    1. Assist in designing, conducting, and analyzing research studies within the department's focus areas.
    2. Perform literature reviews, data collection, and data analysis using qualitative or quantitative research methodologies.
    3. Develop and refine research hypotheses, experimental designs, and protocols in collaboration with faculty.
  2. Academic Support:
    1. Assist in preparing course materials, presentations, and teaching resources for faculty members.
    2. Provide support to undergraduate and graduate students in their academic and research endeavors, including tutoring and mentorship.
    3. Grade assignments, exams, and provide constructive feedback to students, as needed.
  3. Administrative and Logistical Assistance:
    1. Coordinate and manage research projects, including scheduling meetings, organizing events, and tracking project milestones.
    2. Maintain accurate records of research activities, compile reports, and assist with preparing manuscripts for publication.
    3. Assist in the preparation and submission of grant proposals and other funding applications.
  4. Dissemination of Research Findings:
    1. Co-author research papers, articles, and reports to be published in academic journals or presented at conferences.
    2. Present research findings at departmental seminars, workshops, or national/international academic conferences.
    3. Help prepare research presentations, posters, and other materials for public dissemination.
  5. Collaboration and Communication:
    1. Foster collaborative relationships with fellow researchers, faculty members, and external partners.
    2. Engage actively in departmental meetings, seminars, and collaborative research discussions.
    3. Communicate research progress and project updates to the Principal Investigator (PI) and research team.

Qualifications:

  • Education and Eligibility:
    • Hold a graduate degree, preferably in a field related to the research project or department.
    • Be enrolled for no more than 12 credits per semester, but no less than 9 credits per semester of graduate study in their program at the university
    • Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or better, or GRE score in the 70th percentile or higher
    • Have a 3.5 graduate GPA at Kean after completing at least 12 credits
  • Experience: Prior experience in conducting research, teaching, or working in an academic setting is preferred but not required.
  • Skills:
    • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct both independent and collaborative research.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in academic writing.
    • Proficiency in using statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, Stata) or qualitative analysis tools (e.g., NVivo, Atlas.ti).
    • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Key Competencies:

  • Research Expertise: Ability to design, execute, and analyze research projects effectively, with attention to rigorous scientific methods.
  • Critical Thinking: Capability to evaluate research questions, synthesize findings, and contribute to the development of new knowledge.
  • Professionalism: Commitment to maintaining ethical research practices, data integrity, and confidentiality.

Reimbursement, Workload, and Waiver of Tuition and Fees:

Full-time graduate assistantships

  • 15-20 hours per week over any given semester
  • Full tuition waiver (9-12 credits)
  • Stipend of standard per hour rate Half-time graduate assistantships

Half-time graduate assistantships

  • 7.5-10 hours per week over any given semester
  • Half tuition waiver (50% of registered credits)
  • Stipend of standard per hour rate

Quarter-time graduate assistantships (DPT students only)

  • 3.75-5 hours per week over any given semester
  • quarter tuition waiver
  • stipend of standard per hour rate

Application and Selection:

Applications for assistantships shall be filed through the graduate admissions portal at the point of application to admission to a graduate program. Students will be able to apply during the semester preceding the anticipated assignment. Applicants shall be interviewed by the appropriate staff member (Department Chairperson, Administrator, Faculty member, etc.), and the selection based upon institutional need, the applicant’s previous educational background, experiential background, financial need, etc. Applicants will be notified as to the disposition of the application as quickly as possible.

To apply for this position, please indicate interest in an assistantship through the original application for admission to the graduate program and submit the following materials:

  1. Check “yes” that you wish to be considered for a GA position
  2. A cover letter detailing your interest in the position and relevant skills or experience.
  3. A current CV or resume.
  4. Contact information for at least two academic or professional references.

Application Deadline: Open until filled – As this is a rolling process, a student may be contacted by the department before any semester if they wish to interview the student for an open position. 

Contact Information: For more information, please contact ga@kean.edu.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Kean University is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for a Doctoral Assistant, emphasizing opportunities for professional development, research experience, and academic growth in the chosen field of study.