Research Assistant

Brown University; Massachusetts; Remote; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University is seeking a Research Assistant to recruit and engage participants for a long-term study on overlaps between HIV, hepatitis C, and drug use across New England. The role involves conducting surveys at syringe services programs in Central and Western Massachusetts, with travel to community sites and remote work as needed.

Bilingual English/Spanish abilities are a plus. The position collaborates with the Project Director, Project Coordinator, and community partners, and requires

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 1–2 years of experience or equivalent combination
• Lived experience will be considered for peer-based research studies
• Coursework in research methods preferred; 1+ years in substance use, HIV, public health, health services, or related fields preferred
• Experience with survey and database software such as Qualtrics or REDCap preferred
• Experience in qualitative/ethnographic data collection methods and analysis; strong facilitation skills preferred
• Comfort and experience working with people who use drugs, people living with HIV, and/or other vulnerable populations

Responsibilities

• Study visit preparation
• Participant screening and recruitment (including direct outreach and field-based recruitment)
• Participant retention activities
• Survey conduct

Skills

Survey software

Public health

Field recruitment

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Tools

Qualtrics

REDCap

Microsoft Office

NVivo

Job description

Position Purpose

The Research Assistant position is responsible for recruiting and working with participants for a research study evaluating the overlaps between HIV, hepatitis C, and drug use across New England. (RISE-NE). RISE-NE involves working with people who use drugs and people at risk for or living with HIV to understand a changing risk and resource landscape over a period of many years. In this position, Research Assistants will conduct surveys with qualified participants at syringe services programs across Central and Western Massachusetts. This position requires the ability to travel between different community partner sites and be flexible in fast-paced settings where participants are often unhoused or at least facing many different kinds of structural vulnerability. This position also requires the ability to conduct research in English and Spanish. The Research Assistant will work closely with the Project Director, a Project Coordinator, other Research Assistants, staff members at community agencies, and Principal Investigators of RISE-NE.

Job-Related Activities

• study visit preparation
• participant screening and recruitment (including direct outreach and field-based recruitment)
• participant retention activities
• survey conduct

The Research Assistant will also have to manage biological samples (i.e., blood and/or urine), and may be trained in phlebotomy. There may be future opportunities to be trained in qualitative research methods. The Research Assistant will have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team, work with key state stakeholders (e.g., local harm reduction agencies), and contribute to some of the most pressing public health problems in the region. This position will be working in the location of Central and Western Massachusetts, and will travel to different community sites that range from Springfield to the northwest corner of Massachusetts. The position will entail having four days at community sites, and one day remote. All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University. This is a fixed-term position with a current end date of December 31, 2027, which may be extended based upon available funding.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and 1 to 2 years of experience (e.g., public health, anthropology, sociology, social work or other related field.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Lived experience will be considered for peer-based research studies.
• Coursework in research methods is preferred 1+ years relevant work experience in the field of substance use (including but not limited to overdose prevention and harm reduction), HIV, public health, health services, or other relevant fields preferred
• Experience with survey and database software, such as Qualtrics or REDCap, preferred
• Experience in qualitative and/or ethnographic data collection methods and analysis, with evidence of strong facilitation skills preferredComfort and experience working with people who use drugs, people living with HIV, and/or other vulnerable populations
• Community-based research experience preferred
• Phlebotomy trained preferred

Job Competencies

• Experience and comfort working with people who use drugs and/or people living with HIV
• Strong software proficiency (i.e. Microsoft Office [Word, Excel, PowerPoint]), with willingness to learn and utilize new software applications as needed (e.g. REDCap, Qualtrics, NVivo).
• Proven ability to work effectively manage a caseload of participants, including setting priorities and meeting deadlines for administrative work.
• Strong interest in public health, with a focus on harm reduction and substance use
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills
• Strong attention to detail, high level of professionalism and organization required
• Efficient time management skills
• Knowledge of human subjects research procedures
• Able to conduct surveys and interviews in English and Spanish
• Reliable transportation to research and community sites is required.
• Ability to travel for continuous periods of 2 to 3 hours, as needed.

Benefits of Working at Brown

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

Recruiting Start Date

2026-10-26

Job Posting Title

Research Assistant

Department

Department of Epidemiology

Grade

Grade 8

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Position Work Location

Remote

Submission Guidelines

The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote. Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business.

Registered Employer States

• Rhode Island
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New York
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• Washington, D.C.

Visa Sponsorship

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

E-Verify Employer

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.

Welcome!

Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading institution for education, discovery, and global intellectual progress as well as one of the largest employers in Rhode Island. Working at Brown brings more than just a paycheck and generous benefits; it offers an opportunity to contribute to a greater good. Join us in supporting the pursuit of knowledge and individual growth that defines higher education and enriches our community.

Salary Information

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