Graduate Research Assistant

Working Title: Graduate Research Assistant

State Role Title: Graduate Assistant

Position Type: Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Health and Behavioral Studies

Department: 539320 - IIHHS

Pay Rate: Other

Specify Range or Amount: $9,816 stipend ($4,908 per semester)

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

Beginning Review Date: 

About JMU:

Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

General Information:

Research and Public Health is hiring a Graduate Assistant. Research and Public Health is one of many programs and clinics within the Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services (IIHHS). IIHHS is an interdisciplinary community-engaged hub that brings together students, staff, faculty, and the community to advance a culture of health and equity through education, clinical practice, research, innovative programs and advocacy. IIHHS is housed within JMU’s College of Health and Behavioral Studies (CHBS).

We are especially interested in qualified candidates with a demonstrated commitment toward building equitable and inclusive environments. CHBS is working to identify and dismantle oppressive racist and discriminatory policies, practices, and processes while advancing inclusive excellence and promoting a culture in which every member can flourish. James Madison University is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination.

The IIHHS invites applications for a part-time Graduate Assistant who will collaborate with JMU faculty on a chronic disease evaluation project funded by the Virginia Department of Health. The research assistant’s efforts will contribute to a 5-year funded research project examining the effectiveness of statewide chronic disease prevention and management programs.

This 20-hour-per-week position will begin working at the start of the Fall Semester 2025, with most hours between 9am-6pm. This is a one-year appointment; however, preference will be given to students who anticipate being eligible to continue the assistantship for one or more additional years. This position includes stipend and tuition.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Assist the IIHHS Associate Director of Research and Public Health in developing and implementing the Chronic Disease Evaluation Project.
- Work with a team of faculty, staff, and students involved in the Chronic Disease Evaluation Project.
- Assist with research, data collection, data analysis, and preparation of evaluation reports.
- Assist with data visualization.
- Review published literature and produce literature reviews.
- Prepare materials for IRB protocol submissions.
- Assist with the dissemination of findings (conference presentations, journal article submission, presentations to funder).
- Meet with the Associate Director of Research and Public Health on a weekly basis to maintain ongoing communication and assess progress.
- Other duties as assigned related to research and evaluation.

Qualifications:

- Completion of undergraduate or graduate coursework in research methods and statistics (or similar courses).
- Experience collecting and analyzing human subjects research data.
- Experience with research design and data analysis.
- Comfort using Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
- Excellent writing skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- A high-level of motivation, regularly demonstrated initiative, good time-management skills, and the ability to be independently productive.

Preferred but not required:
- Completion of undergraduate or graduate coursework in health-related topics.
- Experience using SPSS (or other statistical analysis software).
- Experience with REDCap, or willingness to learn.

Additional Posting Information:

Stipend and tuition graduate assistant position.

Conditions of Employment:  

Students may apply to a graduate assistantship prior to being accepted into a graduate program. However, to be eligible to receive an assistantship upon entry into a graduate program, the following criteria must be met:

The student must be conditionally or unconditionally accepted into a graduate program. Students who are provisionally accepted will not be eligible until they achieve conditional or unconditional acceptance into their program.

The students must have an official transcript on file indicating completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or agency

After receiving an assistantship, the student must maintain at least a 3.0 graduate GPA in order to retain or reapply for the assistantship.

These are minimum criteria. Graduate program coordinators have the right to impose additional criteria if they see fit.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at (540) 568-6705 or disability-svcs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the Office of Disability Services, located in the Student Success Center, Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.