Undergraduate Research Assistant - Kinesiology RSCA Project

• Position: Academic Year/Instructional Student Assistant
• Semester: Fall 2026/Spring 2027
• College: CEHHS - College of Education, Health & Human Services
• Department: Kinesiology

The Department of Kinesiology at California State University San Marcos seeks a part-time ISA for Fall 2026 to support a CSUSM RSCA-funded human-subjects research project examining how healthy adults make movement estimates under uncertainty and how implicit learning/awareness emerges during a vigilance task. The student will assist with recruitment logistics, participant scheduling, lab-session preparation and cleanup, protocol checklists, data quality checks, de-identification, and file organization under direct PI supervision.

In this appointment, the incumbent will contribute to the execution and organization of a non-invasive research protocol involving computer-based behavioral tasks and recordings from EEG, surface EMG, accelerometer, and skin conductance/GSR systems. Duties will be performed under PI supervision and will be limited to activities appropriate to the student appointment and completed training.

Minimum qualifications:

• Admission or registration as a CSU/CSUSM student.
• Ability to learn and perform assigned work.
• Ability to work cooperatively with faculty, staff, and other students.
• Ability to accept responsibility and maintain confidentiality of participant and project information.
• Exceptions to the minimum eligibility qualifications may be granted at the sole discretion of the University.
• Per the California State University’s Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is prohibited from hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California. Working in the State of California is a condition of employment.

Preferred qualifications:

• Interest or coursework in kinesiology, psychology, neuroscience, biology, computer science, engineering, statistics, or a related field.
• Attention to detail and reliability in following written checklists and data-management procedures.
• Comfort using computers, spreadsheets, and organized digital file systems.
• Interest in human-subjects research, motor control, learning, attention, EEG/EMG/GSR, or data analysis.
• Availability for recurring on-campus lab hours during the appointment period.
• Prior research experience is helpful but not required; training will be provided.
• Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and/or intercultural competence with diverse groups in relation to teaching.

Application:

To apply, please prepare to submit the following:

• Your completed student application
• Contact information for up to three current references

Timeline: A review of applications will begin on August 20, 2026; however, the position will remain open until filled.

The University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for under-represented groups.

CSUSM has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and was named one of the top 32 Colleges most friendly to junior faculty by the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education. Visit Faculty Opportunities for more information.

California State University San Marcos is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is strongly committed to promoting diversity in all areas of the campus community. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, physical or mental disability, gender or sex, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, and veteran or military status.

Per the California State University’s Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is prohibited from hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California. Working in the State of California is a condition of employment

This position is subject to employment verification, education verification, reference checks and criminal record checks. An offer of appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including a criminal records check, and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.

The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised December 22, 2020 as a condition of employment. An offer of employment is contingent upon execution of an Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status and Legal Duty to Report Child Abuse and Neglect form. Signing the form is a prerequisite to employment and failure to sign will result in any offer of employment being withdrawn.

CSU requires faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption from doing so. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement. The systemwide policy, can be found at CSU Covid Policy. Questions should be sent to the Office of Human Resources at hr@csusm.edu.