Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies

Graduate Assistant – Office of Student Research
Academic Year 2026–2027

The Office Research and Innovation is seeking a Graduate Assistant to support the Office of Student Research (OSR) for the 2026–2027 academic year. This position reports to the Director for OSR and plays a key role in supporting internal grant programs, campus communications, and research development initiatives related to faculty mentored student research. Training is provided. OSR's mission is to support and promote learning through mentored research experiences with Appalachian State faculty.

Compensation
$17.50/hour
Up to 600 hours during the academic year (approximately 20 hours/week for 30 weeks)
Position begins September 3, 2026 or as soon as possible
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 accuracy
• Excellent organizational skills and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, and deadlines effectively
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and follow projects through to completion
• Accuracy and consistency in data entry
• Ability to learn and use new software and online platforms
• Professional and responsive communication with faculty, staff, and students

Primary Responsibilities

• Collaboration
  • Work closely with the Director of OSR and Grants, Resources and Services on a variety of projects and initiatives.
  • Take responsibility for assigned projects and complete tasks independently while communicating progress and questions as needed.
  • Programmatic Support.
  • Support management of online internal grant competitions, including refinement, delivery, technical review, and award processes. Training will be provided on the InfoReady platform.
  • Contribute to data collection for annual reporting.
  • Assist with annual audits of internal grant files, progress reports, and related documentation.
• Communication
  • Help manage the OSR email inbox and send communications through Google Groups and OSR email channels.
  • Assist with developing engaging communications and promotional materials to increase awareness of OSR programs, funding opportunities, and student research activities.
  • Contribute ideas for creative ways to promote OSR programs and engage students and faculty through digital and print communications.
• Event Support
  • Communicate with student participants and collect presentation materials.
  • Assist with program design and preparation of event materials.
  • Provide on-site support for major events including the Annual Celebration of Student Research and Creative Endeavors (Spring) and other campus-wide events as needed.
• Additional Duties
  • Complete special projects and general office tasks to support OSR operations.
  • Take initiative in identifying ways to improve office processes, communications, and student engagement.

Ideal Candidate
This position is well suited for a student entering a two-year graduate program who is organized, dependable, self-directed, and comfortable working independently. The ideal candidate will be someone who can manage multiple responsibilities, pay close attention to details, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and students.
A bonus: We would especially welcome a candidate who is creative, enjoys developing promotional materials or social media content, and has an interest in marketing, communications, or finding innovative ways to promote student research and OSR programs.

Training is provided, so prior experience with university grant administration or the specific platforms used by OSR is not required. A willingness to learn, take initiative, and contribute ideas is highly valued.

How to Apply

• Interested applicants should submit:
• A statement of interest/cover letter
• A current résumé
• Send materials to Becki Battista (battistara@appstate.edu) with the subject line: OSR Grad Assistant Application. Questions may be directed to Becki Battista, Director of the Office of Student Research.