Research Associate

Boston College • Newton, MA

31d • $48,000 - $60,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Boston College School of Social Work is seeking a Research Associate interested in research, implementation science, mental health, and the adolescent population. This role (0.8 FTE) involves overseeing research activities in the Greater Boston area, reporting to the PI, Dr. Carolina Vélez-Grau. The project, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, focuses on implementing brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (BIPT-A) in community settings, delivered by lay providers to examine its feasibility and acceptability when task-shifted to youth community centers. The study aims to adapt BIPT-A for lay providers (youth mentors) to decrease depression symptoms, increase belongingness, and reduce burdensomeness among youth with subthreshold depression; train youth mentors in the adapted BIPT-A; and conduct a pilot pragmatic randomized trial to test the feasibility, acceptability, and mechanisms of change of BIPT-A task-shifted to youth mentors. The Research Associate will collaborate with community agency partners on research, implementation, and dissemination activities. Spanish proficiency is required as some activities may be conducted in Spanish.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Social Work, Public Health, Psychology, Epidemiology, or related fields preferred.
• 1-2 years of previous research experience required.
• Mental health research experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Spanish.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, strong attention to detail.
• Self-starter with experience taking initiative and working both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent coordination and collaboration skills.
• Excellent communication and administration skills.
• Excellent analytical and critical skills.
• Have an enthusiastic, engaged, and positive attitude.
• Previous experience using qualitative and quantitative software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, Miro).
• Authorization to work in the U.S. required.

Nice To Haves

• Mental health research experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and centralize efforts from different community agencies in Boston.
• Maintain critical relationships with partners and monitor study progress.
• Qualitative and quantitative data management.
• Train research assistants on qualitative data analysis.
• Lead qualitative data analysis.
• Coordinate weekly team meetings between all partners (including PI).
• Contribute to writing manuscripts for publication and conference abstracts to disseminate study findings.
• Maintain open and constant communication with research team members, partners, and the PI.
• Oversee and monitor budget and help forecast expenses.
• Assist with IRB applications, including local ethics committee applications as relevant.
• Supervise Boston College students and/or trainees.
• Assist with other duties as assigned by the PI and community partners.

Benefits

• Tuition remission for Employees
• Tuition remission for Spouses and Children who meet eligibility requirements
• Generous Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Low-Cost Life Insurance
• Eligibility for both University-Funded 401k and Employer-Sponsored 403b Retirement Plans
• Paid Holidays Annually
• Generous Sick and Vacation Pay

What This Job Offers

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