Research Assistant

Boston VA Research Institute, Inc. (BVARI); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute is seeking a Research Assistant to support a study on the long-term impacts of deployment on psychological and physical health. This full-time position involves data collection, project management, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Ideal for candidates pursuing graduate studies in related fields.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.
• Experience managing projects and data collection.
• Proficiency in SPSS, R, or similar software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with study management and execution.
• Collect data from participants both virtually and in person.
• Maintain records of study steps and subject payments.

Skills

Project Management

Data Collection

Administrative Tasks

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, anthropology, public health, or related field

Tools

SPSS

R

Job description

Research Assistant

The position is to act as research technician for a study funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) and to assist the study team with research on the long-term impacts of deployment on psychological (e.g., PTSD, occupational/social functioning, self injurious thoughts and behaviors) and physical health (e.g., coronary heart disease, cardiometabolic risk factors). All duties will be carried out under the guidance of the principal investigators (Drs. Brian Marx and Dr. Bovin) at the Boston VA Health Care System. In carrying out responsibilities, the individual will collaborate with staff across several disciplines. Team members include investigators, clinicians, and research personnel from the local VA facility and other VA facilities, as well as from local universities and universities nationwide. This position is an excellent fit for someone who is interested in pursuing graduate school and research or clinical careers.

Responsibilities

• Assist project management and key personnel with study management and execution
• Assist with scheduling of participants for quantitative and qualitative data collection
• Assist with data collection from participants virtually and in person
• Maintain active records of study steps, subject payments, and other administrative tasks related to the study execution
• Assist with the storage, management, cleaning, and analysis of data
• Adherence to IRB and Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) policies regarding data privacy and information security (e.g., HIPAA and other regulatory policies)
• Assist with the preparation of research materials for presentations, publications, and progress reports to the funder
• Conduct literature reviews

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in psychology, sociology, anthropology, public health, or related field. Candidates who have completed at least a bachelor’s degree and with demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties are encouraged to apply
• Demonstrated work history managing projects, data collection, and administrative tasks pertaining to the responsible conduct of human subjects research (e.g., IRB submissions and amendments).
• Preferred qualifications include proficiency in SPSS, R, or other data analytic software, and demonstrated proficiency in theoretical and applied data analytic methods
• A current affiliation or experience working with the US. Department of Veteran Affairs is also preferred but not required.

Please note we are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. The candidate must reside in Massachusetts.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands; and reach with hands and arms.

This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Travel

No travel is expected for this position.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

An employee in this position must complete all appropriate background checks at the time of hire and periodic reappointment.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Boston VA Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absences, compensation and training.