Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies

The Office of Research and Innovation is seeking a Graduate Assistant to support Grants Resources & Services (GRS) for the 2026–2027 academic year. This position reports to the Associate Director of GRS and plays a key role in supporting internal grant programs, campus communications, and research development initiatives. Training is provided.

GRS's mission is to increase the capability and competitiveness of Appalachian State University faculty and staff in securing internal and external funding for research, creative activity, and program development.

Compensation
$17.50/hour
Up to 600 hours during the academic year (approximately 20 hours/week for 30 weeks)
Position begins August 17, 2026
Renewable for additional years based on performance and funding

Required Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• High attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills
• Accuracy and consistency in data entry

Primary Responsibilities

Collaboration
Work closely with Research Development Specialists, the Associate Director, and the Director on a variety of projects and initiatives.

Programmatic Support

• Assist in reviewing and compiling themed funding opportunities for campus distribution via the Pivot funding database (training provided).
• Request and organize sample proposals for faculty reference.
• Support management of online internal grant competitions, including refinement, delivery, technical review, and award processes. Training will be provided on the InfoReady platform.
• Document participation in the Peer Assisted Review Enterprise (PARE) grant proposal review program.
• Contribute to data collection for annual reporting.
• Assist with annual audits of internal grant files, progress reports, and related documentation.

Communication

• Implement the GRS communication plan, including maintaining schedules and coordinating messaging for workshops, internal grants, limited submissions, and other programs.
• Help manage the GRS email inbox and send communications through Google Groups and GRS email channels.

Event Support

• Communicate with faculty participants and collect presentation materials.
• Assist with program design and preparation of event materials.
• Provide on-site support for major events such as the Research Fair (Spring), the Research and Creative Activity Event (Fall), and other campus-wide events as needed.

Additional Duties
Complete special projects and general office tasks to support GRS operations.

Ideal Candidate
This position is well suited for a student entering a two-year graduate program. 

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit:

• A statement of interest/cover letter
• A current résumé

Send materials to Karen Fischer (fischerkl@appstate.edu) with the subject line: GRS Grad Assistant Application. Questions may be directed to Karen Fischer, Director of Grants Resources & Services.