Graduate Student Assistant (Office)

Overview

This is a temporary position, through May 2026, with a possibility of contract renewal.

 

The incumbent must live within a commutable distance to San Diego State University upon the time of hire.

 

The salary for this position is $23.00 per hour, 20 hours per week.

 

The Loss of Independence Study research team at SDSU involves a graduate student providing research assistance on data management and analysis of the National Health and Aging Trend Study (NHATS) assessing the factors contributing to loss of independence among multiethnic populations in the U.S. The research assistant will support data setup, data management, analyses, and disseminations.

 

We are seeking a Graduate Research Assistant with strong data analysis skills to support research projects in public health. The position will primarily focus on statistical data analysis, data management, and assisting with research-related tasks. This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate student to gain hands-on experience working with real-world datasets and contribute to meaningful research.

Responsibilities

Data Analysis (60%)

• Perform statistical analyses using software SAS & SPSS
• Clean, organize, and manage large datasets
• Create data visualizations, tables, and summary reports
• Collaborate with the research team to interpret results and provide insights

 

Data Management (20%)

• Assist in setting up and maintaining databases
• Clean, organize, and manage large datasets
• Ensure data quality and accuracy by conducting regular data checks

 

Literature Review (10%)

• Prepare for the team meetings including schedules, meeting agendas, and minutes
• Records of project activities and related data
• Contribute to dissemination of the results (e.g. manuscript and presentation preparation and editing)

 

Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

Qualifications

Knowledge & Abilities

• Strong experience with statistical analysis software (SAS, SPSS, or similar).
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

 

Minimum Education & Experience

• Equivalent to completion of a bachelor's degree and registration in an SDSU graduate degree program.

 

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program (Master’s or PhD) in Public Health, Psychology, Statistics, Epidemiology, or a related field.
• Experience working with large datasets.
• Familiarity with epidemiological or social science research methods.
• Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques (e.g., regression, mixed modeling).

 

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hirin