Graduate Assistantship

Graduate Research Assistant (Fall 2026)

Join the Third Floor Research team while funding your Leadership Communication doctoral degree at Kansas State University.

Third Floor Research is a research and evaluation center housed at the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) and in partnership with the Staley School of Leadership at Kansas State University. Third Floor Research works to enhance KLC's impact and stimulate innovation in the fields of leadership development and civic engagement.

This work includes:

  • Broadening the reach and impact of KLC's leadership development and civic engagement initiatives.
  • Improving program content and outcomes for leadership development and civic engagement programs.
  • Contributing to the fields of leadership development and civic engagement.

Responsibilities

  • Work as a member of the Third Floor Research Team to complete research projects on leadership development and civic engagement.
  • Conduct quantitative and qualitative data collection, management, and analysis.
  • Participate in team meetings.
  • Contribute to draft reports and other scholarly materials.
  • Assist with research events as needed including administrative tasks and logistics.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Degree and/or work experience commensurate to assisting research project managers. o Experience in research or evaluation.
  • Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficient in research software and Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to collaborate with other individuals.

Terms

Appointment: Graduate Research Assistants are on annual academic appointments with opportunity for renewal

Workload: 20 hours per week

Annual stipend: $18,000 (USD) paid bi-weekly during fall and spring semesters. Summer work is available.

Tuition: Tuition waiver up to 20 credit hours per academic year.

Apply

Submit your full application to the Leadership Communication doctoral program and indicate an interest in receiving an assistantship.

For more information, contact:

  • Professor Tim Steffensmeier, Director Third Floor Research, steffy@ksu.edu
  • Professor Andy Wefald, Director, Leadership Communication Doctoral Program, wefald@ksu.edu