Description

The Department of Health and Human Performance at The Citadel is seeking a motivated graduate assistant to support faculty research and applied sport science initiatives. This position offers extensive hands-on experience in biomechanics, human performance testing, wearable technology, and research methodology while working with military and athletic populations. Graduate assistants may also have opportunities to collaborate with collegiate athletic teams through applied sport science initiatives, including performance testing, athlete monitoring, and implementation of sport science technologies to support athlete development and performance.

Explore graduate programs in Health and Human Performance at the Citadel here:

https://www.citadel.edu/hhp/graduate-programs/

Responsibilities

Assist with participant recruitment, scheduling, and data collection
Support laboratory and field-based research projects
Manage research databases and assist with data processing
Conduct literature reviews and assist with manuscripts and conference presentations
Assist with IRB documentation and research coordination
Support cadet fitness and human performance testing
Assist with performance testing, athlete monitoring, and sport science initiatives involving collegiate athletic teams, as opportunities are available
Mentor undergraduate students participating in laboratory and research activities
Technologies & Equipment

Graduate assistants will gain experience using:

Force plates
Motion analysis systems
Wearable GPS and inertial measurement units (IMUs)
Velocity-based training (VBT) technology
BodPod body composition system
Heart rate monitoring systems
Sprint timing systems
Laboratory software for biomechanical and performance analysis
Research Areas

Current projects focus on:

Biomechanics of resistance training
Wearable technology and workload monitoring
Military readiness and tactical human performance
Athlete monitoring and performance assessment

Ideal Candidate

Applicants with backgrounds in Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, Kinesiology, Human Performance, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Interest in research, sport science, and strength and conditioning is preferred.

This assistantship provides valuable experience for students pursuing careers in sport science, strength and conditioning, tactical performance, human performance, collegiate athletics, or doctoral study.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Admission to or eligibility for admission into a graduate program at The Citadel and enrollment of a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester.
• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Strength and Conditioning, Sport Science, Athletic Training, or a closely related field.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research and laboratory environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to research ethics and institutional policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in human performance, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, or sport science research.
• Experience conducting fitness or performance assessments.
• Familiarity with resistance training and strength and conditioning principles.
• Experience with data collection, statistical analysis, or research methodology.
• Experience using sport science technologies (e.g., force plates, motion analysis systems, GPS/IMUs, velocity-based training devices, or body composition
• assessment equipment).
• Current or anticipated pursuit of professional certifications such as NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C).

Appointment Details

• Appointment starts at the beginning of the 2026–2027 academic year and is renewable based on satisfactory performance, continued eligibility, and departmental funding.
• Graduate assistants may work up to 35 weeks (20 hours/ week) per academic year in accordance with university policy.
• Compensation is $15.00 per hour.
• Graduate assistants must maintain enrollment in at least six graduate credit hours each semester.
• All graduate assistants are expected to comply with university policies outlined in the Graduate Assistant Handbook and will receive departmental orientation and training prior to beginning assigned duties.