Job Details

Research Assistant

Position Number: 6908196
Location: Providence, RI
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Research Assistant
Brown University

To view the full job posting and apply for this position, go to: https://brown.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/staff-careers-brown/job/121-South-Main-Street/Research-Assistant_REQ205550

Job Description:

The purpose of this position is to recruit and work with participants for a
research study evaluating the overlaps between HIV, hepatitis C, and
drug use across New England. (RISE-NE). RISE-NE involves working with
people who use drugs and people at risk for or living with HIV to
understand a changing risk and resource landscape over a period of many
years. In this position, Research Assistants will conduct surveys with
qualified participants at syringe services programs across Central and
Western Massachusetts. This position requires the ability to travel
between different community partner sites and be flexible in fast-paced
settings where participants are often unhoused or at least facing many
different kinds of structural vulnerability. This position also requires the
ability to conduct research in English and Spanish.

The successful applicant will work closely with the Project Director, a
Project Coordinator, other Research Assistants, staff members at
community agencies, and Principal Investigators of RISE-NE. This position
will be working in the location of Central and Western Massachusetts,
and will travel to different community sites that range from Springfield to
the northwest corner of Massachusetts. Job-related activities include,
but are not limited to: study visit preparation, participant screening and
recruitment (including direct outreach and field-based recruitment),
participant retention activities, and survey conduct. Finally, the future
Research Assistant will have to manage biological samples (i.e., blood
and/or urine), and may be trained in phlebotomy. There may be future
opportunities to be trained in qualitative research methods. The future
Research Assistant will have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic
team, work with key state stakeholders (e.g., local harm reduction
agencies), and contribute to some of the most pressing public health
problems in the region.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in relevant field and 1 to 2 research years (e.g., public health, anthropology, sociology, social work or other related field) is preferred but not required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.. Lived experience will be considered for peer-based research studies.
Coursework in research methods is preferred
1+ years relevant work experience in the field of substance use(including but not limited to overdose prevention and harm reduction), HIV, public health, health services, or other relevant fields
Experience with survey and database software, such as Qualtrics or REDCap, preferred
Experience in qualitative and/or ethnographic data collection methods and analysis, with evidence of strong facilitation skills preferred
Comfort and experience working with people who use drugs, people living with HIV, and/or other vulnerable populations
Community-based research experience preferred
Phlebotomy trained preferred

Job Competencies

Experience and comfort working with people who use drugs and/or people living with HIV
Strong software proficiency (i.e. Microsoft Office [Word, Excel, PowerPoint]), with willingness to learn and utilize new software applications as needed (e.g. REDCap, Qualtrics, NVivo).
Proven ability to work effectively manage a caseload of participants, including setting priorities and meeting deadlines for administrative work.
Strong interest in public health, with a focus on harm reduction and substance use
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills
Strong attention to detail, high level of professionalism and organization required
Efficient time management skills
Knowledge of human subjects research procedures
Able to conduct surveys and interviews in English and Spanish
Owns a car, and is able to drive for 2-3 hours at a time

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-01-06

Job Posting Title:
Research Assistant

Department:
Department of Epidemiology

Grade:
Grade 8

Worker Type:
Employee

Worker Sub-Type:
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type:
Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5

Position Work Location:
Hybrid

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person's race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.