Graduate Student Assistant (Lab/Field)

Overview

• This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place after March 21, 2025
• The salary for this position is $20.00 -$24.00 per hour, depending on experience.
• T his is a 10-20 hours per week position. This position will be based at the IBACH Offices in San Diego, CA.
  
  

FUNCTION OF THE UNIT

Dr. Benjamin Aceves leads several projects centered around social needs and health outcomes within the School of Public Health at SDSU. Specifically, his research focuses on understanding the health disparities and associated influences among Latino populations. His research is conducted from an interdisciplinary perspective and ranges from exploratory studies to intervention based research. His research group currently looks are various health disparities ranging from breast cancer, diabetes, CVD, among others.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Under the immediate supervision of Pamela Padilla (Project Coordinator) and Dr. Aceves (RG Lead), the Graduate Research Assistant will provide essential support in conducting focus groups, guiding participants in photography techniques, and leading the filming and editing of a documentary exploring how social conditions impact Latino health outcomes. A key aspect of this role is contributing to the artistic vision and execution of the media project, ensuring high-quality visual storytelling that effectively conveys participants' experiences. The GRA will be responsible for refining the documentary’s narrative, incorporating creative cinematography, sound design, and editing techniques to produce a compelling and impactful final product. Their expertise in multimedia storytelling, visual composition, and digital editing will be critical in shaping the project's ability to authentically represent community voices and highlight health disparities through an artistic and culturally resonant lens.

Responsibilities

Media Production and Research Support – 90%

• Assist in the planning, coordination, and facilitation of focus groups.
• Guide participants in photography techniques to document their lived experiences.
• Lead the filming, editing, and production of a documentary exploring how social conditions impact Latino health outcomes.
• Develop and refine the artistic vision of the media project, ensuring high-quality visual storytelling.
• Utilize cinematography, sound design, and digital editing techniques to enhance the documentary’s narrative and impact.
• Edit videos of recorded presentations and training sessions.
• Create and maintain project-related documents, including protocols and media production guides.
• Compile PowerPoint presentations for various meetings.
  
  

Other Duties and Responsibilities as Assigned – 10%

• Attend Center training and meetings as needed.
• Maintain routine communication to ensure coordination and timely implementation of assigned activities.
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Equivalent to completion of a bachelor's degree and registration in an SDSU graduate degree program
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (Spanish/English)
• Technologically savvy, with experience using digital media production tools and editing software.
• Previous experience in media production, including filming, photography, and sound recording, particularly for research or documentary projects.
  
  

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.