Graduate Assistantships Overview

What is a Graduate Assistantship?

An assistantship is awarded to a graduate student who provides teaching (teaching assistantship: TA) or research (research assistantship: RA) support to the University that is a part of their academic program. In recognition of this support, tuition is waived by the University and subsidized health insurance is offered. Graduate Assistants (GAs) are responsible for paying their student fees at the negotiated GA rate. 

Who is Eligible to be a GA?

To be appointed, retain an appointment, or reappointed, a student must: hold Regular (not Provisional) status; maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least a “B” (3.00) in any course work taken; be eligible to register (that is, not have more than three viable grades of “Incomplete” on their academic record); be enrolled in a graduate degree program scheduled to extend through the entire period of the appointment or reappointment and; be a full-time student. 

To perform duties with direct instructional responsibilities, graduate students appointed as Teaching Assistants (TAs) must provide proof of English language proficiency. Information on how to provide proof of proficiency can be found on UConn’s UConn’s English Proficiency Policy for TAs and Testing Procedures Page. 

What is the Appointment Length and Hours Per Week?

Effort devoted to the duties of a graduate assistantship typically range between 10 and 20 hours per week (also sometimes called a “half GA” and “full GA,” respectively). Appointments ordinarily are made for the nine-month period, August 23 through May 22, but may be of shorter duration for a variety of reasons. 

What Benefits Do GAs Receive?

The Human Resources website provides detailed information about benefits available to GAs, including health insurance. If employed in an assistantship that falls under the Graduate Employee and Postdoc Union (GEU), additional benefits may be described in the GEU contract and on our GA Onboarding page.  

Note, GAs solely employed at UConn Health do not fall under the GEU. 

Do GAs Receive a Tuition Waiver?

GAs enrolled in tuition-based programs receive a tuition waiver for the duration of their appointment. GAs enrolled in fee-based programs are charged academic program fees, not tuition; therefore, tuition waivers are not applicable, nor will the GA appointment provide a waiver of academic program fees. A list of fee-based programs  is provided by the Office of the Bursar. For tuition-based programs, while tuition will be waived, the GA is responsible for paying university fees at the negotiated rate. For fee-based programs, there is no available waiver for any part of the academic program fee, and the GA will be responsible for paying university fees at the negotiated rate. There is no tuition waiver for summer or winter intersession courses. When graduate fee bills are calculated by the Office of the Bursar, the tuition waiver will automatically populate to the eligible GAs’ fee bills, provided that two items are in place: an active payroll authorization input by the hiring department and enrollment in at least six credits for the semester. 

What are the Stipend Rates?

Stipend rates for graduate assistants, which can be found at payroll.uconn.edu, are based on levels that reflect progress toward the advanced degree and experience, defined as follows: 

  • Level 1: For graduate assistants with at least the baccalaureate degree (as noted in the Graduate Employee and Postdoc Union contract as “Beginners [Pre-Masters]”). 
  • Level 2: For graduate assistants in a doctoral program with at least a master’s degree or its equivalent in the field of graduate study (as noted in the Graduate Employee and Postdoc Union Contract as “Masters or Equivalent”). Equivalency consists of 30 credits of appropriate graduate-level coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree, together with admission to a doctoral program. If the master’s degree was used to satisfy the equivalency of a bachelor’s degree for purposes of admission, the degree does not count toward Level 2 eligibility. 
  • Level 3: For graduate assistants enrolled in a doctoral program who have passed the doctoral general examination and have the milestone reflected on their record (as noted in the Graduate Employee and Postdoc Union Contract as “PhD Candidate”). 

Specific stipend rates may be found on the Payroll Department Website and will be included in the GA Offer Letter. 

Are GAs Required to Do Any Additional Trainings?

As part of their employee role, GAs are required to participate in these mandatory trainings. There may be additional trainings or orientations required or recommended depending on the specific GA duties. GAs should consult with their program/department for more details. 

What is a Supplemental Description of Duties?

In addition to an offer letter for a graduate assistantship, the hiring department must also provide GAs with a “Supplemental Description of Duties” (SDD) form for each semester they are appointed. This form summarizes the specific duties a GA is expected to perform and may include, amongst other things: the assigned course, lab, research project, or position; the faculty member to whom the GA will report; course meeting times and location; the maximum number of students for which the GA will be responsible per class, section, lab, and more; and the work location. The SSD form must be signed by both the GAs’ supervisor and the GA. The SSD form may be issued separately from the assistantship offer letter. 

Can GAs Hold Additional Employment?

Graduate Assistants seeking on-campus employment or wishing to hold an internship in addition to their full-time (20 hour) GA appointment during the semester must complete the online Supplemental Employment Approval form, which requires their advisor’s approval and is submitted to The Graduate School for final approval.  

International students on UConn-sponsored visas are not able to work more than 20 hours per week during the semester. 

Job Offer Acceptance Etiquette

When accepting a job offer, feel free to ask clarifying questions. If you feel that you are not being given enough time to make your decision, ask if additional time might be granted. Supervisors are encouraged to give candidates up to a week to accept an offer but sometimes this may not be possible.  

If you intend on resigning from your current graduate assistantship to accept a new position, it is strongly recommended that you notify your supervisor of your resignation as soon as possible. This is crucial, as they are likely relying on your participation in teaching courses or labs. Advanced/immediate notice allows them to initiate the hiring process to fill any open positions and ensure that course offerings continue without disruption. 

What’s Next?

Prospective applicants can indicate whether they would like to be considered for a graduate assistantship on their graduate school application. 

Those who have already accepted an assistantship offer should visit the GA Onboarding Page for additional information, resources, and to-do items specific to your role as a GA to assist with helping you successfully transition into your assistantship. 

Current GA Opportunities

Are you an academic or non-academic unit that would like to advertise a GA position here? If so, please send your job description to gradschool@uconn.edu to be posted. Additional guidance for non-academic units can be found on our Appointing a GA in a Non-Academic Unit Page. 

 

 

Fall 2025 Sports Statistics Experiential Learning Graduate Assistant

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is seeking a part-time graduate student to engage undergraduate scholars as part of the Sports Statistics Experiential Learning Program. In addition to performing tasks associated with this role (outlined below) the graduate assistant may also be called on to provide general support to the CLAS Academic Services Center to provide administrative and data support.  The Academic Services Center is seeking candidates who are detail orientated, flexible, take initiative, can multitask and manage multiple tasks, enjoy working independently and as a team, and are open to learn, grow, and develop professional skills working with students and other professionals.

Campus Location: Storrs, CT

Graduate Assistant Job Title: Graduate Assistant for the Sports Statistics Experiential Learning Program

Duration of Position: August 25, 2025-December 12, 2025. May have an option to renew for Spring 2026.

Position Summary: The Graduate Assistant for the Sports Statistics Experiential Learning Program is a 10-hour per week position who will work with the ASC on various data projects and support the undergraduate students participating in the experiential learning program.

  1. Provide administrative and data support to the Academic Services Center (ASC) including department advising offices.
  1. Assist advisors in gathering student data and assessing CLAS initiatives. May include assessing student progress, course enrollment, engagement with University or College processes, including advising and probation requirements.
  1. Assists in planning and implementing scheduling and registration activities, orientation programs and other activities, as assigned.
  1. Serve as resource for students, faculty and staff, and make referrals as appropriate.
  1. Maintains appropriate files and records, which may be computerized, and assists in compiling statistical reports.
  1. Perform office support functions.
  1. Participate in special projects, as assigned.
  1. Performs related duties as required.

Sports Statistics Experiential Learning Program Tasks

  • Assist faculty as part of the experiential learning program
  • Assist the Data Science Program Internship Coordinator
  • Serve as a liaison with the Athletics Department
  • Meet weekly with participating undergraduate students
  • Provide consulting on projects
  • Assist with student questions regarding analytics projects
  • Assist teams with questions regarding analytics projects

Education and Prior Experience Requirements: Eligibility for this graduate assistantship is dependent on active enrollment in a master's or doctoral program at the University of Connecticut for the 2025-2026 academic year

Application Steps & Materials: Please submit all application materials by email to CLASASC@uconn.edu with the Subject line: Graduate Assistant Application-Sports Statistics Experiential Learning Program.

Include the following materials:

  1. Cover letter
  1. Resume
  2. Contact information (phone number and email address) for three professional or academic references, who can speak to your ability to be successful in the position

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with final submission deadline for consideration: May 7,2025

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer.

2025-26 Academic Advising Graduate Assistant

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is seeking a graduate student interested in working with undergraduate students in an advising capacity on the Storrs campus for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The Academic Services Center is seeking candidates who are detail orientated, flexible, take initiative, can multitask and manage multiple tasks, enjoy working independently and as a team, and are open to learn, grow, and develop professional skills working with students in an advising capacity.

Campus Location: Storrs, CT

Graduate Assistant Job Title: Graduate Assistant Academic Advisor

Position Summary: 

The items below describe the duties that are required as part of this assistantship:

Duties:

  • Manage a caseload of +/- 200 students (advisees)
  • Advise undergraduate students, at all levels, in planning their academic program, including advising on specific curriculum decisions, the appropriate choice and scheduling of courses, degree options, academic deadlines and other related items
  • Audits student records to determine progress toward meeting academic requirements and to assess eligibility to graduate
  • Advises students in planning an academic program and may provide advice regarding career goals
  • Maintains appropriate files and records, which may be computerized, and assists in compiling statistical reports
  • Assists in planning and implementing scheduling and registration activities as assigned
  • Serve as a resource for students, faculty, and staff and make referrals as appropriate
  • Assist with administrative tasks, projects, and events
  • Performs related duties as required

Details:

  • This is a full GA position, 20 hours per week in person
  • The successful applicant will be trained in University, and CLAS policies, and procedures and major requirements as they pertain to certain degree undergraduate programs
  • Priority is given to PhD candidates
  • GA renewals are typically subject to continued availability of funds, departmental need and satisfactory progress in degree program

 

Education and Prior Experience Requirements: Eligibility for this graduate assistantship is dependent on active enrollment in a master's or doctoral program at the University of Connecticut for the 2025-2026 academic year

Application Steps & Materials: Please submit all application materials by email to CLASASC@uconn.edu with the Subject line: Graduate Assistant Application-Academic Advising

Include the following materials:

  1. Cover letter
  1. Resume
  1. Contact information (phone number and email address) for three professional or academic references, who can speak to your ability to be successful in the position

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with final submission deadline for consideration: May 7, 2025

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer.

2025-26 Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) Graduate Assistant

Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) supports the educational mission of the University and enables student success by fostering the optimal well-being of all UConn students. SHaW accomplishes this by providing the highest quality compassionate care, offering exceptional health and wellness programs, and promoting an environment that reinforces students’ overall health and well-being to “Be Well. Feel Well. and Do Well.” SHaW’s Health Promotion team mobilizes the UConn community to cultivate the conditions that foster student well-being, empower students, and dismantle the systems of oppression which impact health.

Campus location: Storrs, CT

Graduate Assistant Job Title: Graduate Assistant, Community Health Organizing

Position Summary: This position provides ongoing support for the Health Promoting University (HPU) movement at UConn, a university-wide initiative to improve well-being in person, place, and planet. The successful candidate will coordinate the Student Advisory Board, ensuring diverse student voice in shaping changes to UConn’s culture and environment. This graduate assistant will also serve on the HPU Steering Committee responsible for leading the strategic direction of the movement, as well as contribute to the HPU Employee Advisory Board to ensure continuous communication across groups. Specific duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on departmental needs, in addition to the interests and strengths of the successful candidate.

Duration of the position: August 23, 2025 - May 22, 2026 (GEU academic year contract dates)

Hours: 15/week

Work location: Wilson Hall, UConn – Storrs campus

Name and title of individual providing supervision: Elizabeth Bowling, Project Coordinator for Community Impact Initiatives

Three (3) Primary Career Readiness Competencies Associated with this Role Include:

  1. Equity & inclusion
  2. Critical thinking
  3. Communication

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Contribute to the strategic direction of the Health Promoting University (HPU) movement at UConn as an active member of the HPU Steering Committee
    • Participate in Steering Committee meetings and serve as a liaison to the Student Advisory Board
  • Coordinate the HPU Student Advisory Board, including crafting meeting agendas and facilitating meeting discussions
    • Supervise three (3) undergraduate student employees who serve in paid leadership roles within the Student Advisory Board
      • Conduct regular 1:1 meetings with each student staff member
      • Delegate responsibilities to student staff (i.e. taking meeting minutes and attendance, setting up/breaking down meeting rooms, supporting ongoing recruitment efforts, etc.)
      • Provide feedback and conduct semesterly performance evaluations
  • Serve on the HPU Employee Advisory Board
    • Provide operational support to Employee Advisory Board meetings (i.e. taking meeting notes and documenting attendance, etc.
  • Keep accurate records of and analyze data that informs HPU work
  • Communicate regularly with supervisor regarding progress on assigned projects, including voicing needs for support and anticipated timelines for project completion
  • Engage in building out HPU outreach and infrastructural needs as assigned by supervisor
  • Prepare reports and presentations to support ongoing communication with community stakeholders
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

  • Enrollment in a master’s or doctoral program at UConn in public health, social work, or a related area of study for the 2025-2026 academic year
  • Ability to effectively facilitate group discussions, particularly with attention to supporting equitable participation from group members
  • Experience working in a dynamic and collaborative environment
  • Ability to build rapport and effective working relationships with diverse community stakeholders
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Teams, and an openness to learning other software systems as needed
  • Ability to leverage organizational skills to support collaboration in driving momentum and keeping stakeholders engaged (i.e. record keeping of outreach to stakeholders; internal systems for agendas, minutes, attendance tracking, etc.; preparation of meeting agendas)
  • Ability to leverage written and oral communication skills to develop relationships and support community members in developing a shared understanding in order to work collaboratively together (i.e. proving follow up communications with SAB members)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with public health concepts and frameworks
  • An interest in pursuing a career in health promotion, systems change work, community organizing, higher education, or another related field
  • Previous experience working or learning within the UConn environment or a similar setting

Education and Prior Experience Requirements: Eligibility for this graduate assistantship is dependent on active enrollment in a master's or doctoral program at the University of Connecticut for the 2025-2026 academic year

Application Steps & Materials: Please submit all application materials by email to elizabeth.bowling@uconn.edu with the Subject line: Graduate Assistant Application. Include the following materials:

  1. Cover letter
  2. Resume
  3. Contact information (phone number and email address) for three professional or academic references, who can speak to your ability to be successful in the position

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with final submission deadline for consideration: April 30, 2025. Interviews will begin the week of: May 12, 2025.

Compensation and Benefits Statement

Compensation & Benefits: Stipend consistent with UConn Graduate Employee Union (GEU) rates and successful candidate’s level of education. Stipend rates can be found here. See the GEU contract for other generous benefits provided, including paid time off, tuition remission, and subsidized health insurance through the Connecticut Partnership Plan.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer.

Questions may be directed to: Elizabeth Bowling at elizabeth.bowling@uconn.edu.

2025-26 Learning Community Graduate Assistants

University of Connecticut | Office of First Year Programs & Learning Communities
2025-26 Learning Community Graduate Assistant Job Description

The Learning Community Program is seeking current UConn graduate student applicants for Graduate Assistant positions working with one of the following Learning Communities (LC): 1. BSOUL (Black Sisters Optimizing Unity & Leadership) House; 2. EcoHouse; 3. Humanities House; 4. Innovation House; and 5. Public Health House. These are each half-GA positions, 10-hours per week, with employment dates of: August 23, 2025 to May 22, 2026.

UConn Learning Communities engage first- and second-year undergraduate students in any major who live together in a Residence Hall in courses and community building/educational activities that relate to the theme of the LC. The LC experience is designed to assist students in successfully transitioning to college life and to learn to navigate resources and opportunities on campus. LC GAs work in collaboration with the LC Program and report to the LC Faculty Director, providing administrative support for the LC.

GA Responsibilities:

  1. Support the LC Faculty Director’s vision; develop positive and professional relationships with the LC leadership team, partners, and student members; communicate regularly with LC Faculty Director and LC Program staff.
  2. Plan, implement, manage, and evaluate LC events, activities, and trips, including all related procedures, budgeting, scheduling, marketing, and recruitment, including developing ways to introduce and engage students in using the UConn Innovation Zone makerspace.
  3. May co-instruct, instruct, and/or support credit bearing FYE (First Year Experience, UNIV 1810), service-learning (UNIV 1840), and/or sophomore courses (UNIV 3820); assist in the development of curriculum; plan/implement class activities; supervise projects, and assess student learning. Those teaching must participate in required training for FYE instructors, including attending the FY Innovation Conference (UConn Storrs, May) and training workshops throughout the year. GAs teaching LC First Year Experience courses (UNIV 1810) are highly encouraged to enroll in EDLR 5130: Teaching College Students Through Transition, a Fall 3-credit graduate course to support graduate student instructors of FYE courses.
  4. Required to hold weekly office hours within the LC’s Residence Hall; mentor and advise every LC student member utilizing individual and group strategies, always maintaining appropriate/professional boundaries with students.
  5. Advise LC student leaders/committees; set individual and group performance standards; manage workflow; evaluate individual and group performance, and provide regular oversight and feedback.
  6. Assist in the development of LC marketing and public relations efforts; ensure that print/electronic materials are professional and collegiate-level in appearance, current, and accurate; organize/deliver presentations; write articles for university and/or program newsletters, blogs, websites; manage Instagram and LinkedIn postings about LC accomplishments.
  7. Connect students with relevant faculty, programs, events, and opportunities occurring across campus relevant to the theme of the LC and individual student interests; encourage student engagement as well as professional and personal development.
  8. Required to attend bi-annual LC Team Planning meetings the week before the start of each semester, regularly scheduled LC Team Meetings, other required meetings, and may be asked to represent the Faculty Director at meetings and events.
  9. Required to attend LC-wide events and individual LC events and trips throughout the year; must ensure that individual LC scheduled activities do not conflict with LC-wide activities.
  10. Prepare a report on responsibilities completed in this position at the end of each semester, and prepare, or contribute to, the LC Annual Report submitted to the LC Program office at end of the academic year.
  11. Complete other duties as assigned.


Commitment: 10 hours per week for half-time Graduate Assistantship. Weekly work schedule will vary based on availability and programmatic needs. Weekend and evening hours are required to lead and/or attend courses, events, and activities. Information about UConn Graduate Assistant positions can be viewed here: https://grad.uconn.edu/graduate-assistantships/.

UConn GA Dates of Employment follow university guidelines which require work during Thanksgiving/Winter/Spring/Summer Break periods, including beyond the end of the Fall & Spring semesters (see https://uconngradunion.org/; GAs can take up to four weeks off during the year with pre-approval – many use this time off during part of Winter Break, December to January). Candidates must be able and willing to fulfill this obligation.

Qualifications: Strong English language written and verbal communication skills; strong organization, leadership, and programming skills; commitment to student success, creativity, and innovation; demonstrated mentoring experience; ability to use Microsoft Office; an ability and willingness to be in-person on the UConn Storrs campus for this role; must be actively enrolled in a graduate program at UConn. LC Graduate Assistantships are 1-year appointments with no guarantee of re-appointment the following year.

Preferred Qualifications: More than 1 year left before graduation; at least 1 year experience supervising or mentoring college students; experience with event planning and coordination; related professional experience; teaching experience.

Application Process: Interested candidates should email a Letter of Interest; Resume/CV; and Names, Titles and Contact Information for 3 Professional References to: Taylor.Robichaud@uconn.edu. The Letter of Interest must indicate: which 1-2 LC GA positions you are interested in and how your experience relates to the theme of the LC, what month and year you plan to graduate, which graduate program you are completing; name and contact information of your graduate program advisor, and acknowledge that you understand the dates of employment and can fulfill them. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Please note that this office only has a small number of Graduate Assistant positions available and there is usually a lot of interest in them.

The University of Connecticut is an EEO/AA employer.

Budget, Planning, & Institutional Research (BPIR) Graduate Assistant

Graduate Assistant – Budget, Planning, & Institutional Research (BPIR)
2025/2026 Academic Year
Web-Based Data Analytics & Dashboard Development

The Office of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research (BPIR) at the University of Connecticut is seeking a talented and motivated graduate student to develop and maintain a website and interactive data dashboard for tracking student success, career outcomes, and economic impact. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in web development, data visualization, and advanced programming while contributing to a meaningful project.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop a user-friendly, interactive website to present labor market analytics and student success data.
• Utilize modern web frameworks such as React.js to build an intuitive front-end experience.
• Implement back-end processing to handle data queries and API requests.
• Develop interactive data dashboards creatively to visualize key metrics and insights.
• Ensure data accuracy, security, and compliance with FERPA and university policies.
• Maintain and update the website and dashboard as new data becomes available.
• Document development processes, ensuring clear guidelines for future maintenance.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a currently enrolled doctoral student
• Field of study: Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or related disciplines.
• Proficiency in web development technologies (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React.js, Vue.js).
• Experience with Python, R, or JavaScript for data manipulation and visualization.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet critical project milestones.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience in team-based research projects.

 

Workload: 20 hours/week

 

Application Process:

• Interested candidates should submit the following materials to impact@uconn.edu by March 31, 2025:

o Resume or CV detailing relevant experience.
o A brief cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position.
o (Optional) A portfolio or GitHub link showcasing previous web development or data visualization projects.

 

Technical Assessment:

• Qualified candidates will be invited to complete a coding challenge between April 16 –April 30, 2025.
• A sample dataset will be provided.
• Candidates must develop a sample webpage that presents data visualizations based on the dataset.

 

Start Date: August 25th, 2025

 

Contact: Yizhi Zhu, Ph.D. Research and Planning Analyst II (impact@uconn.edu)

 

UConn’ BPIR is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

REINVENT-PT Lab Graduate Assistant (Kinesiology)

Introduction
The REINVENT-PT lab (REhabilitation INnoVations & Emerging Novel Technologies in Physical Therapy, Principal Investigator (PI): Dr. Sudha Srinivasan) at the University of Connecticut (UConn) is seeking diligent, energetic, and empathetic students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in Kinesiology beginning Fall 2025.

The REINVENT-PT lab is interested in understanding developmental trajectories of individuals with neuro-developmental disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, and Intellectual Disability across the lifespan. We are interested in studying how infants and children with developmental disabilities explore their physical and social environment compared to typically developing peers, as well as the cascading effects of motor difficulties on a child’s social communication and cognitive development. We are also interested in assessing health-related outcomes in adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities, including their physical activity and physical fitness levels. Based on our understanding of the developmental trajectories of individuals with disabilities, our goal is to develop multisystem, engaging, evidence-based, behavioural interventions and assistive technologies to empower the lives of people with disabilities. We are interested in developing motivating interventions that harness an individual’s intrinsic interests/preferences in positive ways to bring about sustained behaviour change.

Past work in our lab has included: (1) developing and assessing the effects of creative movement-based interventions involving music, dance, and yoga for children with autism; (2) assessing physical activity levels in youth with developmental disabilities compared to typically developing peers and understanding stakeholder perspectives related to facilitators and barriers around physical activity engagement among youth with disabilities; and (3) designing accessible and user-friendly communication aids for nonverbal and minimally-verbal children with disabilities and assessing the effects of a training program using novel assistive technologies. In addition, our lab has conducted and published multiple systematic reviews and perspectives in the areas of physical activity, equine therapies, telehealth-based interventions, and creative movement therapies.

Our work on project (1) suggests that whole-body creative movement interventions that promote playful exploration, creativity, improvisation, and self-expression are inherently more enjoyable and motivating for children with autism compared to standard-of-care interventions. Moreover, these interventions can promote multisystem development in perceptuo-motor, social communication, and cognitive domains among children with autism. Our work so far on project (2) suggests that youth with disabilities have lower levels of physical fitness, engage in lower levels of physical activity, are more sedentary, and have lower levels of motor proficiency/function compared to typically developing peers. Moreover, focus group discussions with youth with disabilities, their caregivers, special educators, and therapists indicate that youth with disabilities prefer activities that are fun, non-competitive, and that promote interactions with neurotypical peers. Families face several barriers in promoting physical activity among youth including limitations related to accessibility and affordability of adult-oriented programs, availability of trained personnel, and challenges in balancing multiple work and family-related commitments. Finally, results from project (3) suggest that a 3-month training program provided in a special school setting using a child-friendly, icon-driven communication system called Jellow, which was developed following multiple user studies, led to improvements in communication skills among 17 children with autism.

Over the last 4 years, our lab’s work has focused on exploring the utility and efficacy of using playful joystick-operated ride-on toys to promote upper extremity function and spontaneous use in children with hemiplegia. Children with hemiplegia have poor control, specifically in their upper extremity, on their affected side, which leads to significant limitations in daily activities and their ability to participate in play, at school, and within the community. Current evidence-based clinical practice guidelines suggest that children with cerebral palsy require intensive practice for several hours per week to produce meaningful improvements in function and participation. Our line of work is aimed at assessing the adjunctive value of playful training programs using joystick-operated ride-on toys in addition to conventional rehabilitation to improve arm use and function among children with hemiplegia. We are interested in exploring the feasibility of implementing such training programs within multiple settings and as part of different service delivery models, e.g., at home, clinic, school, summer camp, within the community, etc. We are also interested in comparing the efficacy of single- versus dual-joystick ride-on-toy navigation training in improving unimanual and bimanual function in children with hemiplegia. The new graduate student joining the lab will receive the opportunity to work on funded projects in the lab related to this line of research with children with hemiplegia. We have recently received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 6-week ride-on-toy navigation training intervention compared to a dose-matched intervention standard-of-care seated intervention among 30 children with hemiplegia between 3 and 8 years.

As a graduate student, the prospective candidate will be involved in multiple related projects in the lab starting with the recently funded RCT. The student will be engaged in several aspects of the research process including preparing materials to get approval for research from the institutional review board, participant recruitment and screening, data collection and administration of standardized
tests/measures with children/youth, development and delivery of novel treatment protocols, data coding and analysis, and data dissemination through manuscript writing. The student will have the opportunity to learn technical skills (e.g., motion capture techniques, accelerometery to assess arm activity, video data-based behavioural coding software, post-processing algorithms to analyse collected data, scientific presentation and writing skills, critical review of published literature, etc.) and soft skills (e.g., time management, multi-tasking, mentoring undergraduate students, etc.). The student will also be interacting on a regular basis, under the supervision of the PI, with undergraduate and graduate students working in the lab on research projects.

The Department of Kinesiology at the University of Connecticut (UConn) is regarded as one of the best in the United States, with the doctoral program ranked #2 in the US. The faculty includes recognized leaders in the fields of exercise science, athletic training, and physical therapy. Given the nature of our work, our lab also works closely with the Psychological Sciences and Biomedical Engineering Departments at UConn. In addition, the PI is an affiliate of the Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP; https://chip.uconn.edu/home/) and the Connecticut Institute of the Brain and Cognitive Sciences (IBACS; https://ibacs.uconn.edu/). The student may be able to work with faculty within these institutes/centres and take relevant training courses offered by these institutes/centres. As a part of their graduate curriculum, the student will receive an interdisciplinary education, which may include several courses in statistics, research methods, developmental psychology, developmental disabilities, exercise science, exercise prescription, scientific presentations, grant writing, and human development and family studies. The plan of study will be tailored based on the requirements of the topic of the student’s dissertation and in accordance with the lab’s research agenda.

Required Qualifications and Attributes

  1. Master’s degree in Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy or related fields with a specialization in Neuroscience or Rehabilitation or Paediatrics, with a strong academic record. Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy, with a strong academic record, may be considered for the position. (Note: Students with a Bachelor’s degree will need to get their Master’s degree at UConn prior to beginning their PhD curriculum. This requirement need not be separately satisfied - it will be integrated into the student’s PhD program.). Students from other related fields with relevant experience working with children or individuals with developmental disabilities will be considered.
  2. 1-2 years of experience working with children or young adults with developmental disabilities.
  3. Experience with research including designing a study, obtaining approval for human subjects research, recruitment of participants, data collection, data analyses, and data dissemination (e.g., writing manuscripts, presenting at conferences through platform and/or poster presentations, writing abstracts for submission to conferences/annual meetings, etc.).
  4. Ability and willingness to learn and work hard, with great attention to detail.
  5. High levels of motivation, passion for research, and academic curiosity to excel.
  6. Willingness to take the initiative in designing and solving research-related problems.
  7. Excellent interpersonal and time management skills and ability to work as part of an inter-disciplinary team.
  8. Strong written and oral communication skills (as indicated by TOEFL scores>100/120 or IELTS score > 7/10, writing sample, and as assessed during virtual interview) and leadership qualities to work with research staff and students in the lab.
  9. Proficiency in using MS-Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
  10. Working knowledge of statistics, research design, and quantitative skills, as assessed by GRE scores > 300. (Note: In exceptional circumstances, the GRE requirement may be waived, but this is completely at the discretion of the PI.)
  11. Willingness and ability to drive a car to travel within 1.5 hour driving distance from UConn for data collections (note, mileage reimbursement will be provided for travel)

Preferred Qualifications and Attributes

  1. Knowledge of motion tracking systems and their use for measuring upper and lower extremity kinematics
  2. Knowledge of programming using MATLAB®
  3. Experience with brain imaging tools such as fNIRS, EEG, etc.

To Apply
To apply for this position, please send the following materials via email to Dr. Sudha Srinivasan at sudha.srinivasan@uconn.edu

  1. A cover letter with at least 2 references (please provide contact information and details of at least 2 of your references who can be contacted for more information);
  2. Curriculum Vitae (describing educational qualifications, trainings/certifications, and relevant work/research experience);
  3. A brief (1-2 pages) statement of interests (please clearly define your research interests and discuss how your interests align with the work we pursue in our lab; please add what you think you will bring to our lab and what you hope to gain from pursuing research in our lab);
  4. A writing sample (thesis draft / journal article / review paper / conference paper, etc.).

Next Steps

  • Upon review of your application packet by the lab PI, you may be contacted for a virtual 1.5-hour interview, if you are shortlisted for the position. The interview will help the PI learn more about your academic qualifications, career aspirations, potential fit with the lab agenda, interpersonal skills, expectations from the program and your advisor, and any other issues on which the PI would like clarification.
  • Following this initial interview, the PI may schedule a second interview that will involve a presentation of your past work / research project / publication.
  • If the PI selects your application, you will be requested to formally apply to UConn. Please note that you can apply to UConn BEFORE you take the TOEFL &/or GRE. Steps for completing the UConn application, along with timelines, are outlined here: https://grad.uconn.edu/admissions/requirements/
  • Assistantships: Based on your interactions with the PI, you may be selected to receive a research or teaching assistantship (RA/TA). If you are on at least a 50% RA/TA (i.e., involving 10 hours of work per week), your tuition fees are waived by the university. Please note that the assistantship allows you to work as an academic assistant at UConn while still pursuing your graduate education at the university. The duties of an RA/TA are decided in conjunction with your primary advisor and the needs of the department that will hire you. More information on assistantships can be found at: https://grad.uconn.edu/assistantships/
  • Other helpful links for students are as follows: