Home | Site Map | Faculty | GSPH | Pitt | Contact Us
Graduate Student Researcher Program

Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions are awarded by members of the Epidemiology faculty to selected doctoral program applicants who have been accepted by the Graduate School of Public Health (GSPH) or current doctoral students desiring funding support. Applications for these positions may be submitted online and are available to all faculty for review. Responsibilities may encompass work related to students’ individual dissertation preparation or may be based upon other projects. All positions provide students with invaluable opportunities to collaborate with faculty and colleagues, and acquire transferrable skills.

Candidates are identified by faculty based upon individual academic background and experience sought, and in some cases, comparable research interests. Those selected for interviews are contacted directly by faculty via phone or e-mail. Most positions are awarded by the end of April prior to the beginning of fall term, although intermittent offers are extended during the summer months. Accepted doctoral program applicants who plan to matriculate in spring term may also apply for these positions.

The GSR program is competitive because of the great demand for positions. With this in mind, it is not possible for the Department of Epidemiology to offer positions to all who apply, and those not receiving this support should be prepared to provide their own sources of funding.


Program Description

Graduate Student Researchers (GSRs) in the Department of Epidemiology are doctoral degree candidates who are receiving financial support from research funds secured by faculty in return for duties performed to meet the goals for which the funds were awarded. Candidates interested in obtaining funding must apply for these positions.

Eligibility

Only accepted doctoral program (PhD or DrPH) applicants or continuing doctoral students are eligible for GSR positions in the Department of Epidemiology. Master's program (MPH or MS) applicants and continuing master’s degree students are not eligible for these appointments. These applicants and students may learn more about other funding opportunities at http://www.epidemiology.pitt.edu/financialaid.asp

Application Deadlines

  • Spring 2010


    • US Applicants - November 1, 2009
    • International applicants - August 1, 2009
  • Fall 2010


    • All applicants – January 4, 2010

Eligible GSPH applicants and continuing students may apply electronically for positions, and should do so by the application deadlines referenced above to ensure required information is available to faculty seeking position candidates in the early stages of funding consideration.

Application Process

  • New doctoral program applicants interested in receiving funding consideration should complete and submit an on line GSR Consideration Request Form at the time they submit the School of Public Health Application System (SOPHAS) application to the Graduate School of Public Health. The GSR Consideration Request Form is not part of the SOPHAS application.
  • Current doctoral program students continuing to seek funding should complete a new/updated GSR Consideration Request Form each academic year by the deadline referenced above.
  • Forms are forwarded directly to the Epidemiology Department for consideration.
  • Applicants and students will be notified via e-mail when position appointments are awarded.


    • *NOTE: GSR positions are not guaranteed for all applicants, and Graduate School of Public Health (GSPH) applicants who are not awarded GSR positions through the department must be prepared to provide their own source of financial support.

Effort

GSRs are expected to devote twenty (20) hours per week to the research project from which they receive remuneration. GSRs must maintain a full-time credit load during fall and spring terms (9–15 credits) and must register for at least 3 credits in summer term.

If you wish to be considered for a GSR appointment in the Department of Epidemiology and meet the eligibility requirements described here, please complete the GSR Consideration Request Form.

To complete online, please click here.

or, if you prefer,

to download and complete a paper form, please click here.

Appointments

GSR appointments range from one to two terms at a time (fall, spring). Summer term appointments are awarded individually. Appointment renewals are subject to satisfactory job performance and availability of funding support.

Stipend

The monthly stipend payment for a GSR is currently $1,537.50.

Tuition Scholarships

GSRs will receive full tuition scholarships to cover up to 15 credits. Tuition scholarships will be renewed each period subject to satisfactory academic performance.

Health Insurance

GSRs will be provided individual coverage under the UPMC Health Plan for graduate students. Family coverage is available at an additional cost to the student.

Additional Information

More information about Graduate Student Researcher appointments in the Department of Epidemiology is available in the Doctoral Degree Programs section of the Student Handbook. Inquiries may be submitted through the department’s Help Center.

Please note that Acrobat Reader is required to view downloadable PDF files.