Market Research Assistant

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

ID: 7330584
Posted: Newly posted
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Position Summary
The Division of Educational Ventures at Oregon State University seeks one part‑time student (8–12 hours per week) to join our Market Research and Strategy team. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Market Research and Strategy, this position supports data‑driven decision‑making that advances new program development, marketing and recruitment, and academic innovation across the university.

Position Overview
Do you enjoy working with data, solving problems, and finding meaning in information? Are you self‑motivated, reliable, and curious about how research drives change in higher education? Join us as a Market Research Assistant and help shape the future of learning at Oregon State.

In this role, you’ll use artificial intelligence (AI), Microsoft Excel, and other analytical tools to organize, interpret, and summarize data that informs online program development and strategic planning. You’ll complete a range of defined, task‑based assignments—such as data preparation, information gathering, documentation, and summary reporting—that contribute to our decision‑making processes.

Learning and Growth
This position is designed for students who want to learn, grow, and contribute in a structured, supportive environment. You’ll receive training, detailed workflows, and constructive feedback while developing confidence and independence in research.

We strongly prefer applicants who can commit to the role for two or more academic years to build deeper expertise and continuity within our team.

Career Impact & Professional Development
—Develop in‑demand skills in data analysis, problem‑solving, AI literacy, project management, and communication
—Participate in weekly professional development sessions designed to help you practice new skills
—Network with professional analysts, researchers, and university leaders

What You’ll Bring
Prior market research experience is not required. Training and examples are provided. Successful candidates demonstrate the ability to:
—Learn new tools and systems quickly
—Follow detailed instructions accurately
—Communicate clearly and professionally
—Manage time effectively and meet deadlines consistently
—Produce accurate work, double-check details, and correct errors before submitting.

Why OSU?
As a public, nonprofit institution, Oregon State University values access, quality, and innovation. Our team fosters inclusive learning environments and applies data‑driven insights to expand equitable access to high‑quality educational pathways for learners everywhere.

Work Location & Schedule
On‑site work is based in the Valley Library during regular weekday business hours. Remote work may be available for Ecampus students—a reliable computer and internet access are required for a remote work arrangement.

Application Note: A cover letter is not required. Your responses to the supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your candidacy.
Transferable Skill Development
OSU is committed to ensuring students are prepared for success after graduation through intentional skill development as student employees. The competencies students develop while working at OSU are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as the essential skills employers seek in their hires. In this position, students learn and build vital career-readiness skills in the primary areas below:

Communication, Professionalism, Technology
Position Duties
Prepare, clean, and format spreadsheets and documents using Microsoft Excel and Word, following established templates and standards
Gather information from defined sources (websites, reports, databases) and summarize findings clearly and accurately
Support market research projects by completing repeatable research tasks using documented workflows
Organize and maintain working files and final deliverables using required file naming conventions
Update task lists and project trackers using Asana or similar tools
Draft short written summaries, tables, or charts based on provided examples
Communicate regularly with the supervisor about task status, deadlines, and questions
Apply feedback to improve accuracy, clarity, and efficiency over time
Participate in brief check-ins and contribute to a professional, reliable team environment
Minimum Qualifications
Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/student-employment-manual/500-employment-eligibility-requirements

Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study
Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment
Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standard
High School student: Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling program
Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per term
Undergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term*
Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per term
Graduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term*

*International students may be allowed to carry fewer hours than specified above and still be considered “full-time” by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A reduced course load is approved by the Office of International Services (OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center.
Additional Required Qualifications
Current enrollment as an Oregon State University student; applicants who expect to remain enrolled and employed in this position for at least the next 18 months will receive priority consideration.
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written instructions.
Clear written communication skills and professional email habits.
Comfort learning and using new technology and software tools.
Reliability in meeting deadlines and responding to feedback.
Willingness to work within structured processes and expectations.
Ability to manage multiple small tasks accurately and consistently.
Strong organizational skills and follow-through.
Ability to communicate questions or concerns clearly and in a timely manner.
Preferred (Special) Qualifications
Interest in market research, data, higher education, business, or social science.
Experience in roles that required managing detailed tasks or working from established procedures.
Basic experience with Microsoft Excel, including sorting, formatting, and simple formulas.
Interest in a longer-term role with opportunities to grow in responsibility over time.
Prior experience working independently while staying accountable to a supervisor or team.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools, especially Word, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams.
Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn from feedback and examples.