Research Assistant, Department of Psychology
About The Position
The Clark-Hill Institute for Positive Youth Development in VCU’s Department of Psychology is hiring multiple research assistants for Healthy Communities for Youth, a CDC-funded community-based project to promote positive youth development and prevent youth violence in Richmond city communities. As part of the project evaluation, research assistants will support ongoing community survey data collection, anticipated to continue until late spring or early summer 2027. Research assistants will work in participating communities, on campus, and remotely for specific activities. They will help recruit study participants and facilitate data collection involving sensitive, confidential information, following university safety guidelines and study protocols. Community work primarily involves visiting three selected communities to distribute flyers, speak with residents, and recruit participants. Phone and other data collection activities may take place from an office or from home. This is an hourly position averaging 6–20 hours per week. Hours vary; most data collection takes place in the afternoons through early evening and on weekends, and some weekend hours are required. The position is hybrid.
Requirements
- Previous research or community service work experience.
- At least one year of experience working in the community service, health, education, or social service sector.
- Good interpersonal skills in person, by phone, and in writing.
- Comfort communicating with residents by phone, email, and/or text, and in their homes and communities.
- Ability to adapt to changing work plans and environments.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Public Health, Psychology, Sociology, or a related discipline.
- Strong time-management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately and independently.
- Flexibility to work some evening and weekend hours, and some holidays.
- Comfort using basic computer, mobile, and virtual technology; familiarity with G-Suite, especially Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Forms.
- Research and community work experience and comfort working with underserved populations.
- Passion and commitment to improving the quality of life for youth and families in the Richmond community.
Responsibilities
- Travel to locations in participating communities and neighborhoods to identify and recruit potentially eligible participants.
- Introduce the study to parents or caregivers of eligible school-aged youth and to young adults.
- Conduct informed consent and assent processes in person or by phone.
- Conduct phone surveys for participants who request them instead of the online survey.
- Maintain accurate and appropriate documentation in accordance with the study protocol, human-subjects protection standards, funding agency guidelines, and VCU Institutional Review Board requirements.
- Participate in staff meetings and trainings.
Benefits
- VCU employees are eligible for a wide array of benefits; eligibility depends on employee type.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
