Graduate Assistant for Moral Injury Lab (Beg Spring 2027)

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation.  Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

The Graduate Assistant will actively contribute to the work of the Institute for Social & Economic Reintegration by fulfilling the following responsibilities:

Research (50%)

• Locate, compile, and organize scholarly literature on moral injury, trauma, veterans, and reintegration.
• Review research on identity, trust, and belonging, and on related populations including incarcerated, veterans, first responders and healthcare persons.
• Maintain an organized, searchable library (reference manager, annotated bibliographies, synthesis tables) for use in manuscripts, trainings, and grant proposals.
• Prepare literature summaries and background sections for publications, presentations, and grant applications.
   

Data Collection (35%)

• Collect, review, and transcribe raw data, including interviews, surveys, and focus group recordings.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate software and methods under faculty direction.
• Summarize findings in clear written and tabular form for the research team.
• Follow IRB protocols and maintain confidentiality and secure handling of participant data.
   

Professional Development (15%)

• Provide general assistance to Dr. La Fleur, including support for workshops, trainings, and Lab events.
• Assist other UWG students interested in moral injury research, such as sharing literature, orienting new participants, and supporting collaborative projects.
• Participate in Lab meetings and contribute to presentations, and, as appropriate, co-authorship and conference submissions.

To be considered for a graduate assistantship at the University of West Georgia (UWG), students must meet the following criteria:

• Be fully admitted to a graduate degree program at UWG. Please note: Students admitted provisionally are not eligible for assistantship positions.
• Be enrolled full-time in a UWG graduate program during the assistantship period.
• Bachelor's degree in any Social Science from an accredited institution.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all previous and current graduate coursework and remain in good academic standing.
• Meet eligibility requirements for employment in the United States.

• Enrolled in a graduate program at the University of West GA.
• Experience researching with or under the mentorship of a faculty member
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills. 
• Some knowledge of Moral Injury.
• Some knowledge of transitioning/reentering populations.

System-impacted students are encouraged to apply.

• A monthly stipend of $1,000.00 per month
• A tuition waiver, reducing the semester rate to $25 plus mandatory fees while employed in the assistantship.

• Resume
• UWG Graduate School Acceptance Letter
• One-page letter describing why you are interested in working with Dr. LaFleur and/or Moral Injury

• Primarily a research lab/office setting
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs.

For questions or further information about this position, please contact Dr. Richard LaFleur at [email protected]

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.