Research Assistant

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University is seeking a Research Assistant to support community-based studies in the Youth Rising Lab. You will coordinate data collection, participant outreach, and partner engagement, under supervision of the Lab Coordinator and PI.

This is a one-year, term-limited, on-site position. The ideal candidate brings experience with quantitative and qualitative data collection, strong communication, and a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach to researching community violence exposure

Qualifications

• Strong listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment, participate actively, collaborate, and motivate others in the lab.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
• Ability to plan and schedule effectively.

Responsibilities

• Community engagement and recruitment: Conduct participant outreach at community-based organizations and schools; recruit and schedule participants via phone or in person at local community sites.
• Data collection: Administer self-report surveys, focus groups, and individual interviews with participants; execute informed-consent procedures in accordance with study protocols.
• Logistics and field coordination: Travel to community research partner locations; communicate with staff at community-based agencies and schools; schedule data-collection sessions; maintain active relationships with research partners.
• Support data quality and compliance: Maintain records, tracking logs, and documentation in adherence to human-subjects research procedures.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and protocol-adherence activities.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Confidentiality

Organizational skills

Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology

Job description

Position Summary:

The Research Assistant will be responsible for collecting and coordinating data related to research protocols in the Youth Rising Lab. Under the guidance of the Lab Coordinator, they will support the daily operations of community-based research studies, focusing on participant outreach, quantitative and qualitative data collection, and coordination with community research partners. The Research Assistant will work closely with the Lab Coordinator and Principal Investigator (PI) on a research program investigating the impact of community violence exposure and traumatic loss on African American adolescents and young adults.

This is a one-year, term-limited position with the possibility of extension based on need and available funding.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate is an empathetic, detail-oriented researcher with experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection, strong community outreach skills, and a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach to researching community violence exposure among African American youth.

Workplace Requirements:

Must be available to work occasional evenings or weekends based on participant and community-site schedules.

Must possess a valid driver's license and the ability to drive to community partner locations.

Workplace Location:

This position is exclusively on-site, requiring all duties to be performed in person. Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range:

$20.00/hour

*Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

This position is funded by grant, soft, and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent upon the renewal of funding.

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2+ years of experience
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Skills:

• Strong listening, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to work in a team environment, participate actively, collaborate, and motivate others in the lab
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently
• Ability to plan and schedule effectively

Preferences:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related discipline
• Research experience in a clinical, developmental psychology, or related laboratory setting
• Strong interpersonal and interviewing skills
• Statistical and graphical analysis skills
• Strong scientific and numerical skills, with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy

Essential Functions:

• Community engagement and recruitment: Conduct participant outreach at community-based organizations and schools; recruit and schedule participants via phone or in person at local community sites.
• Data collection: Administer self-report surveys, focus groups, and individual interviews with participants; execute informed-consent procedures in accordance with study protocols.
• Logistics and field coordination: Travel to community research partner locations; communicate with staff at community-based agencies and schools; schedule data-collection sessions; maintain active relationships with research partners.
• Support data quality and compliance: Maintain records, tracking logs, and documentation in adherence to human-subjects research procedures.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and protocol-adherence activities.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

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If you have any additional questions, please email us at [e-mail] . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.