Research Assistant

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; United States; On-site; USD 22,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off

State retirement plan

Job summary

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center seeks two Research Assistants to support field studies in infectious disease epidemiology under Dr. Arruda. Travel across Ohio and other states is required to collect data and engage stakeholders for the USDA-funded Market Matters project.

Responsibilities include developing surveys, data entry in Excel, basic analysis, and preparing reports and dissemination materials, with opportunities to contribute to outreach efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or current enrollment in a related program.
• Experience with Excel and basic data analysis.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently for fieldwork.

Responsibilities

• Assist with survey development and deployment.
• Enter data on Excel spreadsheets and carry out basic data analysis.
• Communicate with stakeholders and collaborators; participate in meetings.
• Help prepare reports and dissemination materials.
• Assist with on-site data collection at livestock markets; document observations
• Coordinate logistics for market visits and stakeholder meetings across multiple states
• Support outreach and dissemination activities

Skills

Excel

Data analysis

Survey design

Communication

Travel readiness

Field data collection

Education

Bachelor’s degree or current enrollment

Tools

R

Stata

Job description

Job Overview

Job Title: Research Assistant Department: Veterinary Medicine | Veterinary Preventive Medicine The College of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University is seeking applications for two Research Assistants. The candidates will work alongside Dr. Arruda to support field studies on infectious disease epidemiology. This role involves frequent travel to livestock markets across Ohio and other U.S. States to conduct on-site data collection and stakeholder engagement. Specifically, this research assistant will work on a USDA-funded project “Market Matters,” which aims to enhance biosecurity in livestock markets.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include assisting with survey development and survey deployment, entering data on Excel spreadsheets, conducting basic data analysis, communicating with stakeholders and other students/collaborators, participating in meetings, and helping with preparation of reports and dissemination materials as needed.

Essential Functions

• Assist with development and refinement of survey instruments
• Conduct in-person data collection at livestock markets, including administering surveys and documenting observations
• Support data collection via online, mail and phone methods as needed
• Help coordinate logistics for livestock market visits and stakeholder meetings across multiples states
• Enter and manage data using Excel and other software (e.g., R, Stata)
• Assist with basic data analysis and visualization
• Support preparation of reports, presentations, and printed materials
• Participate in outreach and dissemination activities

Additional Information

• Position Type: Temporary (Fixed Term)
• Scheduled Hours: 40
• Shift: First Shift

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program.
• Experience with Excel and basic data analysis.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently (including overnights) for fieldwork.
• Comfort working in agricultural/livestock environments.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with livestock industry or veterinary public health.
• Experience with survey design or stakeholder engagement.
• Familiarity with the development of outreach materials.

Working Conditions

Frequent travel required to livestock markets across Ohio and other U.S. states (including overnight travel). Work conducted in livestock market environments (exposure to animals, dust, noise, and outdoor conditions). Candidate should possess a valid Driver’s License at time of hire. Occasional weekend or early morning/evening work aligned with market schedules.

Target Salary Range

Target Salary Range: $15.86 - $20.74 per hour; commensurate with experience, internal equity, the unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications.

Location

Location: Sisson Hall (0080)

Background Check

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

Benefits

Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

Employer Culture

At Ohio State, you’ll find work that inspires you. We offer roles and growth opportunities in countless fields and specialties — including a job that’s right for you. Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change. As Buckeyes, we accomplish more together. No matter your role, you’ll be part of creating what people need now: pathways to education, research and health care. Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence — and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit. We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together. By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top-20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers. We’re a team of dedicated colleagues with access to boundless resources that support you.