Research Assistant

Brown University • RT - Massachusetts, MA

3d • Remote

About The Position

The Research Assistant recruits and works with participants in RISE-NE, a study evaluating the intersections of HIV, hepatitis C, and drug use across New England. The study works with people who use drugs and people at risk for or living with HIV to understand changes in risk and resources over time. The role conducts surveys with qualified participants at syringe services programs across Central and Western Massachusetts and requires travel among community partner sites, flexibility in fast-paced settings, and the ability to conduct research in English and Spanish.

Working with the Project Director, Project Coordinator, other Research Assistants, community agency staff, and the study’s Principal Investigators, the Research Assistant prepares study visits; screens and recruits participants, including through direct outreach and field-based recruitment; supports participant retention; and conducts surveys. The position also manages biological samples such as blood and/or urine, and may include training in phlebotomy. Training in qualitative research methods may be available in the future.

The role is based in Central and Western Massachusetts and involves travel among community sites, from Springfield to the northwest corner of the state. The schedule includes four days at community sites and one remote day. The position is fixed term, with a current end date of December 31, 2027; it may be extended depending on available funding. Employment offers are contingent on satisfactory criminal background and education verification.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 1 to 2 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Comfort and experience working with people who use drugs, people living with HIV, and/or other vulnerable populations.
• Ability to conduct surveys and interviews in English and Spanish.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and willingness to learn and use applications such as REDCap, Qualtrics, and NVivo.
• Ability to manage a participant caseload effectively, set priorities, and meet administrative deadlines.
• Strong interest in public health, particularly harm reduction and substance use.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail, professionalism, and organizational skills.
• Efficient time-management skills.
• Knowledge of human-subjects research procedures.
• Reliable transportation to research and community sites.
• Ability to travel for continuous periods of 2 to 3 hours as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework in research methods.
• At least 1 year of relevant work experience in substance use (including overdose prevention and harm reduction), HIV, public health, health services, or another relevant field.
• Experience with survey and database software such as Qualtrics or REDCap.
• Experience in qualitative and/or ethnographic data collection and analysis, with evidence of strong facilitation skills.
• Community-based research experience.
• Phlebotomy training.
• Lived experience, which will be considered for peer-based research studies.

Responsibilities

• Prepare for study visits.
• Screen and recruit eligible participants, including through direct outreach and field-based recruitment.
• Conduct participant retention activities.
• Administer research surveys with qualified participants.
• Manage biological samples, including blood and/or urine.
• Work with the Project Director, Project Coordinator, other Research Assistants, community agency staff, and Principal Investigators.
• Travel between community partner sites across Central and Western Massachusetts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level