MBA Research Assistant

MBA Research Assistant Pool

• Position: Research Assistant
• Academic Year: 2026-2027
• Day/Time: Varies
• Modality: In-person
• College: College of Business Administration
• Department: Accounting, Finance, Management, MIS, Marketing, and OSCM

The CoBA MBA Program is seeking Research Assistants for the 2026-2027 academic year to support several faculty-led research projects in areas related to business, organizations, technology, education, and professional success.

The Research Assistant will contribute to various stages of the research process, which may include reviewing academic literature, organizing and managing research materials, assisting with data collection, analyzing qualitative data, and supporting the development of research findings.

The position will involve close collaboration with the Principal Investigators and may require the Research Assistant to balance responsibilities across multiple projects. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, as well as an interest in developing experience with rigorous research methods.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Organize interview transcripts, research documents, datasets, and supporting materials.
• Conduct targeted literature searches and summarize relevant academic research.
• Assist with the preparation, collection, cleaning, and management of research data.
• Support the development and refinement of qualitative coding frameworks using deductive and inductive approaches.
• Identify emerging concepts, categories, and themes within interview data.
• Assist in developing higher-order themes and conceptual relationships.
• Support efforts to establish coding consistency and inter-coder reliability.
• Prepare research summaries, tables, presentations, and other materials documenting project findings.
• Participate in regular project meetings and provide updates on assigned tasks.
• Assist with other research-related activities as needed across the supported projects.

Applicant pools are used to fill short-term temporary Lecturer positions across our campus with the possibility of rehiring. Appointments may last from one day to a whole semester. This applicant pool may be used to fill vacant positions on an as-needed basis throughout the academic year.  Applications in this pool ad will only be good for the current academic year. This pool will be closed effective May 31st.  If you wish to be considered for the next academic year, you will need to apply to the new pool as it becomes available by June 15th.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in business or related discipline
• Strong written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in an academic environment
• Ability to work independently while meeting deadlines
• 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:

• Experience working on qualitative research
• Interest in artificial intelligence, workplace technology, business sustainability, organizational behavior, and/or business education
• Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and/or intercultural competence with diverse groups in relation to research.

Salary commensurate with degree level and experience

• Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $6,288 - $7,658 per full-time month

The salary schedule information for the Lecturer – 12 month Classification is available based on the following ranges:

• Lecturer A - 12 mo: $6,288 - $7,658 per full-time month

The anticipated hiring range is generally at or near the minimum of the appropriate range, commensurate with education and experience.

Application:

To apply, please prepare to submit the following:

• Your completed application
• Resume / Curriculum Vitae (uploaded)
• Contact information for three current references
• Letter of interest (uploaded)

Timeline: Applications are accepted and reviewed as needed, on an on-going basis throughout the 2026-2027 Academic Year.

CSUSM has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and was recently 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 Equal Opportunity Employer 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.   

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 CSU Executive Order 1083 as 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.  Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.  

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct. 

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act or Clery Act Notification can be found at Clery Act Notification.