OTD Graduate Assistant (Research) Ruskin

This position is a 9-month, part-time (10 hours per week) graduate assistantship located on the Ruskin, FL campus. Hours and schedule are flexible based on the candidate's availability.

About the Role

This Graduate Assistant position supports Dr. Blair Carsone and other faculty in the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) department with research activities. The role provides opportunities to develop professionally through hands-on involvement in research, grant exploration, and educational initiatives.

Career Readiness Learning Objectives

• Career & Self Development: Enhance knowledge and skills by assisting faculty with research, grant writing, and educational opportunities for faculty and students.
• Communication: Engage in clear, effective, and professional communication with students, faculty, and campus stakeholders both in person and through digital media.
• Critical Thinking: Solve problems by evaluating relevant research, gathering and analyzing information from diverse sources, and interpreting data while recognizing personal biases.
• Leadership: Leverage diverse resources and feedback to inform research direction and identify best evidence sources.
• Professionalism: Demonstrate dependability, prioritize tasks, and maintain a high level of dedication and attention to detail in all interactions.
• Equity and Inclusion: Embrace diverse ideas, identify systemic barriers, and work to eliminate inequities in research and academic settings.
• Technology: Utilize tools like Microsoft Excel to improve efficiency, manipulate data, and analyze research results.

Responsibilities

• Assist with literature reviews, data collection, data management, and analysis.
• Support Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and presentation development.
• Participate in other faculty research or special projects within the OTD department as needed.
• Set up and manage lab equipment, which may involve bending, lifting, pushing, or pulling (up to 50 lbs).
• Walk across campus multiple times a day as required.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled as a second-year student in the OTD program at the Ruskin, FL campus for the 2026-2027 academic year.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher through Fall 2025.
• Grade of 85% or higher in DOCCT 835 at the time of interview.
• Excellent communication skills with peers and faculty.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Commitment to professional and ethical behavior.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel.
• Prior experience in research, including literature searches and data management.
• Highly organized with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks.

Physical Demands

• Ability to bend, lift, push, and pull to set up lab equipment.
• May be required to lift up to 50 lbs.
• May need to walk across campus multiple times a day.