Research Assistant

Mercer University; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 27,321 - 38,913; Part time

Job summary

Mercer University seeks a part-time Research Assistant to support Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities. You will conduct literature reviews, help develop research tools, and recruit participants for interviews and surveys.

The role emphasizes accuracy, ethics, and collaborative teamwork in a university setting. The position is on-campus at Mercer with 20 scheduled hours per week, starting 08/17/2026 and ending 05/31/2027, paying $24.04/hour.

Qualifications

• PhD student in Rural Health Sciences with strong organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills for participant interactions and teamwork.
• Detail-oriented with accurate data collection and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews to support research projects.
• Develop research methodologies, data collection tools, and analysis frameworks.
• Identify and recruit participants for interviews and focus groups.
• Conduct interviews and focus groups with accuracy and professionalism.
• Lead and organize focus group sessions and windshield surveys.
• Document observations and data points from windshield surveys.
• Assist in data compilation, organization, and analysis using appropriate tools.
• Summarize findings and contribute to reports, presentations, and publications.
• Collaborate with team to meet timelines and objectives.
• Maintain meticulous records of research activities and methodologies.
• Stay updated on literature and research methods.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Data collection

Confidentiality

Microsoft Office

Independent work

Education

PhD program in Rural Health Sciences

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Title

Research Assistant

Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Research Assistant to join our team on a part-time basis. The Research Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting our research projects by conducting literature reviews, interviewing individuals, facilitating focus groups, conducting windshield surveys, and performing various other tasks. The ideal candidate will possess strong research skills, excellent communication abilities, and a passion for contributing to meaningful research initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to gather relevant information and insights for research projects.
• Collaborate with the research team to develop research methodologies, data collection tools, and analysis frameworks.
• Assist in identifying and recruiting participants for interviews, focus groups, and surveys.
• Conduct interviews and focus groups with precision and professionalism, ensuring accurate data collection and recording.
• Organize and lead focus group sessions, facilitating productive discussions among participants.
• Conduct windshield surveys in designated areas, documenting observations and relevant data points.
• Assist in the compilation, organization, and analysis of collected data, utilizing appropriate software and tools.
• Summarize research findings and contribute to the creation of reports, presentations, and publications.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure projects are progressing according to established timelines and objectives.
• Maintain accurate records of research activities, data sources, and methodologies used.
• Stay updated on relevant literature, research methods, and industry trends to contribute to the enhancement of research processes.
• Provide administrative support to the research team, including scheduling meetings, managing documents, and coordinating research-related tasks.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in the PhD program in Rural Health Sciences
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with participants, team members, and stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented mindset and strong analytical skills to ensure accuracy in data collection and analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective communication within a team environment.
• Ethical conduct and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality in research activities.

Job Family: Student Regular Wage Department: Community Medicine Supervisor: Michael Kramer

Location

• Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities

Pay rate: $24.04/hour

Scheduled Hours: 20

Start Date: 08/17/2026 End Date: 05/31/2027

About Us

Mercer Student Employment – About Us Student employees are vital to the success of Mercer University. At Mercer, we are dedicated to helping students find meaningful on-campus jobs and ensuring that students maximize the value of their employment experiences. We believe that having an on-campus job helps students become more involved with the Mercer University community, provides valuable work experience, helps build transferable skills, and habits that will benefit future career options. Moreover, on-campus jobs provide financial rewards.

Eligibility and Documentation

We value diversity and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Important Note: In adherence to the Immigration Control Act of 1986, all student employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9) and present documentation verifying citizenship or permanent residency. You will not be allowed to begin work until the I-9 form has been completed and properly certified. The required documents include either a valid US Passport, certificate of US citizenship, alien registration card with photograph OR two of the following documents: a state driver's license, validated student ID card, original social security card, birth certificate.