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Position Details

Position Information

Requisition Number

Stu04768P

Home Org Name

School of Hospitality Management

Division Name

College of Human Sciences

Position Title

Graduate Student Research Assistant-Hospitality Management

Working Title (if different from Position Title)

Job Summary

The EventMASTER Immersive Learning Project in The School of Hospitality Management seeks a motivated **Graduate Research Assistant** (GRA ) to support the design and implementation of an immersive simulation focused on experiential event sponsor activations. TheGRA will join Dr. Alecia Douglas, Project Lead, learning technology specialists and industry experts to advance immersive learning resources for event management made possible through theAUX Immersive Grant Program.

This role supports key phases of the project from the conceptual design to the implementation of real-world simulation scenarios that mirror the complexities of experiential event sponsor activations. TheGRA must be willing to commit to the project for a two-year period with flexibility in work hours dependent on the project’s stage.

Essential Functions

+ Assist with research and development of written case studies for live entertainment events, with a focus on sponsor activations and narrative scenarios for use within the simulation.

+ Coordinate and participate in interviews and meetings with industry experts, event organizers, and sponsors to inform scenario authenticity and stakeholder perspectives.

+ Support data collection efforts, including but not limited to surveys, interviews, and observational research, as required by the project timeline.

+ Collaborate on analysis and reporting of findings, including preparation of presentations, written reports, and contributions to academic publications.

+ Collaborate with faculty and project team members in the development, refinement, and evaluation of VR case studies and supplementary research outputs.

+ Perform other duties as assigned, adapting to the evolving needs of the project at different stages.

Why Work at Auburn?

+ **Life-Changing Impact** : Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.

+ **Culture of Excellence** : We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.

+ **We’re Here for You** : Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.

+ **Sweet Home Alabama** : The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.

+ **A Place for Everyone** : Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Minimum Qualifications

+ Currently enrolled as an Auburn University graduate student.

+ Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, Sports Management, or a related discipline.

**Expectations** :

+ General experience in event planning, event operations and stakeholder engagement, hospitality or related fields.

+ Strong written and verbal communication skill.

+ Ability to synthesize complex information and present findings clearly.

+ Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

Desired Qualifications:

+ Experience working with live spectator sport events or large festivals with brand sponsor activations is considered a significant asset but not mandatory.

+ Operational or logistics experience in event settings is desirable but not mandatory.

+ Interest in immersive technologies and experiential education.

Pay Rate

$25.00/hourly

Work Hours

5

City position is located in:

Auburn

State position is located:

Alabama

Posting Detail Information

Posting Date

09/19/2025

Closing Date

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit theirwebsite (https://auburn.edu/administration/eoc/) to learn more.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should be prepared to commit to the project for a period of two (2) years. Work hours may vary depending on the project stage and evolving demands. Periods of increased project activity, such as scenario development, expert interviews, or research data collection, may necessitate greater time investment, while other phases may require reduced hours. Continued involvement in the project is dependent on satisfactory competency, performance on tasks.

Quick Link for Internal Postings

https://www.auemployment.com/postings/56075

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

1. Resume

2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents