RESEARCH ASSISTANT, Counseling Psychology & Human Development

Boston University • Boston, MA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development is a top-ranked college that focuses on cross-disciplinary research, experiential learning, and community engagement. We seek to empower our students, faculty, and staff to reshape the systems that impact learning and human development, more firmly centering them in justice, diversity, and belonging. BU Wheelock is one of the 17 schools and colleges that are part of Boston University, one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world today. The Research Assistant provides basic administrative and operational support for ongoing research studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and pilot projects. Responsibilities focus on task execution rather than project ownership, including assisting with participant coordination, data entry, and preparation of study materials. The role follows established protocols and works under close supervision of a Principal Investigator or senior research staff. This position does not include independent project management or formal supervisory responsibilities and supports broader research activities within the department.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, public health, social sciences, or a related field.
• 0–1 year of experience in a research or administrative setting (internships acceptable)
• Basic organizational and time management skills
• Familiarity with standard office and survey tools (e.g., Excel, Qualtrics)
• Clear written and verbal communication
• General understanding of research environments
• Basic data entry and record-keeping practices
• Awareness of confidentiality principles
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and established protocols
• Ability to manage routine tasks with consistency
• Ability to work collaboratively within a structured team environment

Nice To Haves

• Prior internship or coursework related to research methods
• Experience with participant-facing roles (e.g., customer service, volunteer work)

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support for research studies, including scheduling participant visits, sending reminders, and assisting with routine study coordination tasks under supervision.
• Assist with participant recruitment activities by distributing study materials, responding to inquiries using templates, and supporting eligibility screening procedures.
• Support preparation of study materials, including formatting surveys in Qualtrics, preparing recruitment messages, and organizing documentation.
• Perform data entry and basic data maintenance tasks, ensuring accuracy and completeness under established guidelines.
• Assist with IRB documentation by compiling materials and supporting submission processes as directed.
• Maintain organized shared folders and tracking systems; provide general support to research team members as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer status
• Consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status.

What This Job Offers

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