Student Research Opportunities

Ph.D. Graduate Student Funding Opportunities

Kinesiology

The Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies (KHS) at Wayne State University offers both Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) and Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs). Preference is given to students completing doctoral degrees under the direction of tenure track faculty actively engaged in research, although students completing master's degrees will be considered. Students are invited to apply for GRA and/or GTA positions.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

GTAs will be assigned a maximum of 20 hours of instructional support in the division. The majority of GTAs will be assigned to teach group exercise classes in our Lifestyle Fitness Activities program (LFA) (https://education.wayne.edu/lifestyle-fitness-activities). LFA classes are 2-credit general exercise classes taken by any students attending the university. In addition, students with specialized skills may be assigned to teach lower level courses for division majors or assist faculty with lab components of large-lecture courses. Applicants for these positions should review the menu of LFA classes that the division offers and indicate the courses they have the qualifications to teach. Applicants should also identify any research or instructional experiences that may qualify them to lead courses for division majors or assist full time faculty with higher level courses.

Graduate Research Assistantships

GRAs will be assigned to support faculty research projects for a maximum of 20 hours each week. Duties may include: literature reviews, IRB development, data collection, data analysis, report/publication writing, or presentations at national research meetings among other assignments. The intent of GRA positions is to provide research support for division faculty and to give students in-depth research training as future independent scholars. Applicants should describe all past research experiences, and identify the research programs of division faculty with which they find overlap with the applicant's career aspirations.

Application Process

Graduate student assistantships typically consist of three years of funding, provided that students make adequate progress toward their degree and perform their assistantship roles and responsibilities to the highest possible standard. It will be common that students rotate between GRAs and GTAs over the course of their studies. To be considered for graduate assistant funding, applicants must have completed the Ph.D. application for either Kinesiology track. Students often rotate between GRAs and GTAs over the course of their studies. Assistantships are 9-month positions with opportunities for additional spring/summer employment, and include a salary stipend (approximately $20,000, comprehensive health and dental benefits, and full tuition waiver).

Applicants must have completed the Ph.D. application for any of the three Kinesiology tracks.

Students can apply for assistantship positions by emailing the following: detailed cover letter, resume, academic transcripts and three letters of recommendation to:

Heather Ladanyi,
Research associate and manager
eb3703@wayne.edu
Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies
313-577-1191

Applications should be submitted for consideration no later than March 1.  Appointments will be made by April 30, all applicants will be notified of the decision no later than 5 days after. 

Additional funding opportunities

Wayne State University and the GEOC (Graduate Employees' Organizing Committee American Federation of Teachers) recognize an obligation and reaffirm by this Agreement their commitment to achieve equal employment opportunity, non-discrimination, and non-harassment within the University. Accordingly, it is agreed that, consistent with University policies, the University and members of the bargaining unit shall not discriminate or harass on the basis of race, color, veteran status, height, weight, ethnicity, religion, creed, political affiliation, political beliefs, membership in any social or political organization, national origin, ancestry, marital or parental status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, or HIV status, of those capable of performing their professional duties. The preceding list is illustrative but not exhaustive. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit Wayne State University from the application of bona fide occupational qualifications as may be appropriate or from taking such measures as may be permissible by law, to protect the health and safety of the University community.