Students

Appointment Types

RA

Research Assistant

A position working on a research project.

Many RAs are for 12 months beginning on September 16 and ending on September 15th of the following year.
The Department makes every effort to match students with their RA preferences, but cannot guarantee this will be possible. IMPORTANT: RAs openings are posted on a rolling basis as the Graduate Program learns of them. While RAs are posted throughout the year, August to October is generally the busiest time for job postings.

  • RAs can be employed by Biostatistics faculty and/or work with scientists in other departments.
  • RA duties are often varied. Every student is expected to meet with their RA Supervisor to  discuss the job duties, performance expectations, and student questions. This information is then listed on a "Job Duties Form" which both supervisor and students must sign to complete the hiring process.
  • First-year RA assignments typically involve the development of several skills (e.g., performing data analyses on real data, writing statistical programs, directing simulations, work with a faculty member to read papers to learn techniques that are relevant for the RA).

Application/Selection Process

  • Starting in late August the Graduate Program posts available jobs and alerts students to apply.
  • Students submit cover letter and resume for consideration.
  • The Graduate Program Director, responsible for all employment assignments, reviews applicants, available jobs, requirements (e.g., level of experience, software knowledge, etc.), and, when possible, the student's preference.

TA

Teaching Assistant

A position working with students in a classroom, office hours, or grader setting.

  • TA assignments are made on a quarterly basis by the Graduate Program Director in collaboration with the course instructor.
  • As with RAs, students may indicate their preference which will be accommodated when possible.
  • TA duties are often varied, but every student is informed of the specific duties via the "Job Duties Form" and has the opportunity to discuss them with the instructor in advance of accepting any TA appointment.

Training Grants

PhD students who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents are eligible for a limited number of research training opportunities in biomedical sciences. Each grant is focused on a specific research area, including: Big Data for Genomics & NeuroscienceEnvironmental HealthOral Health/Dentistry, and Statistical Genetics.

  • Students on Training Grant (trainees) will also receive a supplemental RA or TA at 25% FTE (approximately 10-hour/week).This second appointment covers the costs of study not covered by the training grant.
  • The policies governing RAs and TAs also apply to these appointments with the exception of remuneration. Supplemental appointments pay a monthly stipend, but do not cover any portion of tuition or health insurance.

Hourly Grader

The Department of Statistics occasionally has need for hourly student graders. When there are openings, an email is sent out to the b-students listserv.

  • Students apply directly to Statistics.
  • Students are expected to determine their eligibility (e.g., visa status, etc.) and ability to take on extra work. The department cautions against additional work that is detrimental to academic progress.

Tutor/Consultant 

The Department of Biostatistics has a list of students willing to be contacted about possible tutoring and/or consulting jobs.

  • Being on the list does not mean the student must accept any/all of the requests.
  • Students are expected to determine their eligibility (e.g., visa status, etc.) and ability to take on extra work. The department cautions against additional work that is detrimental to academic progress.