Research Assistant II Non-Lab

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 48,216; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks a part-time Research Assistant for the Department of Nutrition. The role involves serving as a liaison between study participants and the research team, managing daily study operations, and supporting participant engagement. Candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree, relevant experience in human research studies, and excellent communication skills. The position is based in Boston, offering generous benefits including health insurance and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience required.
• Experience in nutrition, physical activity, or mindfulness studies.
• Ability to handle complex and confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary liaison between study participants and research team.
• Ensure participant engagement and support throughout the study.
• Manage daily study operations and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Independence

Experience with Human Research Studies

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Computer Software

Job description

Job Summary

The mission of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is to improve human health through better nutrition and lifestyle. The Department strives to accomplish this goal through research aimed at an increased understanding of how diet influences health at molecular and population levels, the development of nutritional strategies, informing policy, the education of researchers and practitioners, and the dissemination of nutrition information to health professionals and the public.

For the Minding Our Future study, the Research Assistant will serve as the "face of the study" at the intervention site and will be responsible for supporting the successful implementation of the research study. They will act as the liaison between the research team and the participants, facilitating study implementation and maintaining regular, professional communication with study participants and staff. The Research Assistant will be based onsite at the Masonicare Independent Living Community in Wallingford, CT and will report directly to Dr. Stephanie Smith-Warner, a Co-Principal Investigator of the study.

For the LIFELONG project, the Research Assistant will assist with data harmonization activities.

Job‑Specific Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between study participants and the research team, fostering positive relationships and clear communication.
• Support participant engagement, ensuring participants feel welcomed, informed, and motivated to contribute to the study.
• Manage daily study operations in accordance with approved research protocols.
• Communicate with residents, including those enrolled in the study, to address concerns, answer study-related questions, and provide basic technological assistance.
• Assist participants in completing study questionnaires related to personal, health, and lifestyle information, following established protocols to ensure proper handling of sensitive data.
• Provide guidance to participants on the use of wearable devices and assist in collecting physical measurements as required by the study protocol.
• Maintain accurate attendance records for all study-related activities.
• Manage confidential data, including the collection of study data, data entry, and data storage, as well as maintaining collected information in an organized and secure manner.
• Assist with coordinating logistics for onsite study activities.
• Schedule and coordinate instructors for exercise classes and facilitators for group sharing sessions.
• Lead 30‑minute walking groups for study participants most weekdays and maintain attendance records for each session in the study database.
• Promptly document any adverse events reported by participants in accordance with study policies.
• Participate in data harmonization activities.
• Provide clerical and administrative support as needed, incidental to core research activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator or research team.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a part‑time benefits‑eligible position with a 23 hour work week and has a term appointment of October 1, 2026.

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications: 2+ years of relevant experience is required; a combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Additional Qualifications and Skills:
• Bachelor's Degree
• Prior experience in working on human research studies, particularly related to nutrition, physical activity, and/or mindfulness
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organization skills
• Experience prioritizing work in an environment with multiple and conflicting interests
• Experience working independently with minimal supervision
• Experience handling complex and confidential information with discretion
• Experience using a variety of computer software

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: October 1, 2026
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 23 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal Records
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre‑employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90‑day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes. Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non‑discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.