Research Assistant

Brown University

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The general functions of this Research Assistant position involve assisting with study activities, including participant recruitment and consenting procedures, conducting standardized research protocols with participants, monitoring daily survey compliance, collecting and sending out dried urine strip samples, completing home visits to provide cash payments and collect study materials, and working with study data for two National Institute of Mental Health-funded grants, “Distinct Steroid Mechanisms of Menstrual Cycle Exacerbation of Psychopathology” and “Ovarian Steroid Effects on Mood and Sleep Across the Adolescent Menstrual Cycle.” The position may also include, depending on funding availability, similar responsibilities on related studies in the lab, including studies examining interventions for minority stress and suicidality in LGBTQ+ youth. These studies take place in the lab of Dr. Jessica Peters, in conjunction with her colleague Dr. Allison Stumper, and examine biologically based behavioral mechanisms through which the menstrual cycle may exacerbate various psychological symptoms in adults and how daily fluctuation in ovarian steroid hormones influence mood and sleep in teens, respectively. The studies utilize urine samples, daily symptom tracking, actigraphy, and several in-person lab sessions involving lab tasks and self-report questionnaires to examine these questions. This position involves in depth training on conducting menstrual cycle research, and is ideal for someone looking to pursue this or related areas of research and/or practice. If of interest, RAs in the Peters lab typically have opportunities to present at conferences and/or contribute to publications. The study and lab are within the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University, and the RA will gain exposure broadly to how research functions within a large academic medical center. This is a fixed term position with a current end date of 7/1/2027 which may be extended based upon available funding.

Requirements

Associates degree
1-2 years of experience conducting for class credit or working in human-subjects research, including direct participant engagement, conducting data collection, and data management.
And/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to multi-task.
Strong computer skills and ability to learn new applications or tools quickly.
Excellent organizational and record keeping skills.
Attention to detail.
High level of discretion to prioritize work flow.
Effective communication skills with all levels of research staff.
Ability to maintain a good rapport with participants from various backgrounds.
Excellent time management skills.
Study activities will require travel between Butler Hospital campus and main Brown campus, need to have and be able to operate a car.
This position requires flexibility in hours (i.e., availability to work some evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or University breaks as business needs arise).
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION CHECK REQUIRED