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Quantitative Research & Data Support Graduate Assistant - Center for Excellence in Scholarship and Research

Minnesota State University, Mankato
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TO APPLY:  

To be considered for this position, please submit 1) a cover letter detailing your relevant qualifications and experience; 2) a current CV or resume; 3) unofficial transcripts; and 4) contact information for two references, to aaron.hoy@mnsu.edu.  

APPLICATION CLOSE DATE: 3/19/2026

POSITION START DATE: 8/23/2026 

RESPONSIBILITIES/JOB DESCRIPTION: 

Quantitative Analysis & Data Support

  • Assist CESR clients with applied quantitative analysis, including descriptive statistics and basic to intermediate inferential tests (e.g., t tests, chi square, one way ANOVA, correlations) using SPSS or Excel
  • Support clients in selecting appropriate statistical approaches, checking assumptions, interpreting results for their research questions
  • Create clear, well-organized tables, charts, and results summaries for campus audiences
  • Explain analytic suggestions in plain language and help clients interpret results

Data Cleaning & Preparation 

  • Help clients with data cleaning, including dataset construction and organization, variable labeling, recoding, and handling missing data
  • Support researchers in identifying appropriate response scales, reducing bias, aligning questions with research goals, and ensuring clarity
  • Help clients think through sampling considerations, recruitment language, and ethical issues

Shared CESR Responsibilities

  • Provide occasional manuscript reviews for CESR clients (e.g., proofreading for grammar, formatting, clarity, and completeness, flagging methods issues for further review)
  • Work with CESR Director and team to develop content for the CESR Resource Hub, including written resources for campus audiences (e.g., statistical guide sheets, Qualtrics tip sheets)
  • Collaborate with the CESR team to support workshops, resource development, and/or service improvement initiatives

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Strong written communication skills, including the ability to explain analytic choices and results clearly to diverse campus audiences (faculty, students, staff)
  • Proficiency with basic software tools, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
  • Foundational statistical knowledge and experience applying descriptive statistics and basic inferential tests (e.g., t-tests, chi square, one way ANOVA, correlations) in academic or professional settings
  • Hands on experience with a statistical tool, such as SPSS (preferred) or Excel
  • Data organization skills, including basic data cleaning (e.g., variable labeling, recoding, handling missing data) and maintaining clear documentation (e.g., codebooks)
  • Strong organizational skills, including managing multiple tasks and tracking deadlines
  • Comfort working both independently and collaboratively, including the ability to communicate progress, ask clarifying questions, and follow through reliably
  • Attention to detail in checking assumptions and verifying data accuracy 
  • Professionalism and discretion when working with sensitive or confidential data
  • A bachelor's degree
  • Admitted to a Minnesota State University, Mankato graduate program by start date. 
  • Enrolled in a minimum of six (6) graduate credits per semester during assistantship, and in good academic standing. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Experience conducting basic statistical analysis, including use of SPSS, R, or similar tools, to run descriptive statistics and inferential tests
  • Background or coursework in research methods, applied statistics, psychology, sociology, communication studies, public health, education, or a related social science field
  • Experience preparing tables, charts, or results summaries for academic or professional audiences
  • Interest in or experience with research support, such as helping others interpret results, revise analytic plans, or develop methodological resources.
  • Experience with qualitative coding (e.g., Taguette, NVivo, MAXQDA) or willingness to learn, especially for mixed methods projects
  • Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment. 

SALARY/STIPEND: Up to $10,000 plus tuition stipends, dependent upon availability of funds, period of appointment, and assignment. Appointments made after the tenth day of classes are not eligible for a tuition waiver. 

RELATED INFORMATION: 

The majority of CESR’s work with clients and campus partners occurs via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Graduate Assistants may conduct most responsibilities remotely, with occasional in person meetings or event support as mutually scheduled. Dedicated desk and meeting space are available in the Center for Excellence & Innovation (Memorial Library, lower level) for GAs who wish to work on campus.

There may be opportunities for limited summer employment for returning GAs, typically up to 14 hours per week during June, July, and/or August. Summer work is not guaranteed and is contingent upon funding, workload, and mutual availability; however, CESR often maintains a small team of GAs during the summer months for ongoing projects.

CESR may also support relevant professional development for Graduate Assistants, such as short courses, software trainings, or certifications (e.g., Qualtrics, data visualization, research methods), depending on available funds and alignment with CESR needs. This support is not guaranteed but is often available.

Minnesota State System policy requires that graduate assistants must reside within the State of Minnesota for the duration of their appointment. 

Additional information on Minnesota State University, Mankato can be found at www.mnsu.edu. 

CONTACT 

Aaron Hoy, Director

Center for Excellence in Scholarship and Research

Minnesota State University, Mankato 

Memorial Library 88G 

Mankato, MN 56001 

Phone: 507-389-1038

TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711 

Email: aaron.hoy@mnsu.edu

NOTICE:  

In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities (MnSCU) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle, shall be required to conform to MnSCU’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.  

  

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security. Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at http://www.mnsu.edu/safety/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111 or by emailing security@mnsu.edu. 

Minnesota State University, Mankato has a long-standing commitment to diversity and is actively seeking to nurture and enrich its underrepresented communities. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Office of Human Resources, 507-389-2015 (V), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY). This vacancy notice is available in an alternative format upon request. Minnesota State University, Mankato is an affirmative action/equal opportunity University and is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.