GA Research Assistant
GA Research Assistant
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1 Vacancy
Job Description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Pennsylvania State University Office of Educational Equity is seeking a collaborative inquisitive and mission-oriented graduate student to serve as a Graduate Assistant for Educational Equity Initiatives for a one-year term. Reporting directly to the Interim Vice Provost for Educational Equity this position provides an exceptional opportunity to support Penn States goal of fostering a more inclusive and equitable university environment through thoughtful research and strategic initiatives.
This role will be a key contributor to data-informed planning cross-unit collaborations and equity-centered research that also supports institutional grant-seeking and impact storytelling efforts.
Primary Responsibilities
The Graduate Assistant will collaborate with the Vice Provost and campus leaders to:
Conduct background research and literature reviews to inform university-wide equity initiatives and strategic planning
Assist in developing and implementing mixed-methods research studies related to access success and institutional climate across diverse student populations
Translate data findings into strategic recommendations reports and visualizations for internal and external stakeholders including prospective funders and institutional partners
Monitor national and state-level policy developments related to educational equity and produce timely issue briefs or summaries
Support grant writing and funding proposal development by contributing research-based justifications literature summaries and relevant institutional data
Contribute to the creation of public-facing materials (e.g. white papers infographics impact briefs) to advance educational equity and inform philanthropic engagement
Collaborate strategically with offices such as Institutional Research Government Relations Development and academic colleges on research and impact alignment
Perform other duties as assigned aligned with the evolving needs of the Office of Educational Equity
Skill-Building and Learning Opportunities
This role offers a unique opportunity to develop:
Advanced research data analysis and policy translation skills
Hands-on experience in grant development and strategic communications
Practical exposure to cross-sector collaboration and equity-centered institutional planning
Familiarity with national frameworks such as the NADOHE Standards for Professional Practice and Shared Equity Leadership
Writing and presentation skills tailored for academic institutional and philanthropic audiences
Qualifications
Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences
Capacity for independent learning project ownership and flexibility in a fast-paced environment
Collaborative mindset and interest in supporting data-informed institutional change
Interest or experience in one or more of the following is a plus:
Educational equity access or social justice
Quantitative and/or qualitative research methods
Grant writing or proposal development
Data visualization tools (e.g. Tableau Power BI Canva)
Public policy analysis or advocacy
Eligibility and Compensation
This position is intended for doctoral students in the dissertation phase due to time commitment.
Time Commitment: 30 hours/week
Term: Fall 2025 Spring 2026
Compensation: Full dissertation fee and a Grade 18 three-quarter time GA stipend
Application Instructions
To be considered please upload the following:
A cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience
A resume or CV
The name and contact information (email and phone number) of one reference
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988 Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security such as those concerning alcohol and drug use crime prevention the reporting of crimes sexual assault and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race color religion age sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability please contact .
Employment Type
Part-Time
