PhD Student

About the Role

The PhD Student will engage full-time in research activities within the WORC Lab, based on-site in Los Angeles, CA.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducting literature reviews.
• Designing and implementing research studies.
• Collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data.
• Contributing to multimodal and mixed-methods projects related to worker health, occupational performance, and rehabilitation.
• Collaborating with a transdisciplinary team.
• Preparing manuscripts, conference presentations, and grant-related materials.
• Participating in lab meetings, seminars, and research dissemination.
• Supporting projects examining technology-mediated work environments, including direct participation in a large-scale study funded by the Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Requirements & Tech Stack

The following are preferred qualifications:

• Interest in worker health, human-centered technology, and/or human experience.
• Desire to learn qualitative methods and mixed-method analyses.
• Background in occupational therapy/science, human factors, psychology, public health, or a closely related field.
• Ability to synthesize complex information.
• Ability to conduct critical literature reviews.
• Ability to write clearly for academic and professional audiences.
• Collaborative skills for working in transdisciplinary teams, including effective communication, openness to diverse perspectives, and respectful engagement with participants and colleagues.
• Organizational and time-management abilities, with capacity to manage multiple projects and meet research timelines.
• Commitment to ethical and inclusive research practices and advancing and mobilizing knowledge that supports workers and communities.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent training) in a relevant discipline is preferred.
• A Bachelor's degree with prior research experience, publications, or conference presentations is accepted.