Research Assistant III

MSU - Michigan State University; Flint (MI); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

MSU - Michigan State University is seeking an RA III for the CAPACITY Lab in the College of Human Medicine, to manage a portfolio of NIH-funded mental health intervention studies in youth and families. The role involves leading research design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination across multiple projects.

The candidate will mentor staff and collaborate with community partners, with a hybrid in-person requirement on the Flint campus two days per week.

Qualifications

• Master's in Public Mental Health preferred.
• 1–3 years of related research experience.
• Experience with NIH grants, RPPR, and IRB protocols.
• Strong writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and design research procedures.
• Coordinate NIH-funded projects and study staff.
• Manage and execute research tasks and milestones.
• Analyze data and refine study design.
• Prepare reports, papers, and grant applications.
• Present findings at conferences and symposia.
• Mentor junior researchers and staff.

Skills

Project management

Qualitative methods

Quantitative methods

Academic writing

Communication skills

Education

Master's in Public Mental Health

Tools

Slack

ASANA

Job description

Position Summary

The College of Human Medicine Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health at Michigan State University announces an available RA III position in Dr. Brittany Rudd’s CAPACITY Lab. The RA III will manage the execution of a portfolio of NIH-funded projects related to the implementation of mental health interventions in legal settings that serve youth and families. Duties include:

• Develop and design of research and data collection procedures.
• Conceptualize, initiate, and execute research goals for project.
• Conduct and coordinate advanced research studies.
• Analyze and interpret data and results and refine study design.
• Develop and write advanced study protocols.
• Evaluate current developments and research findings to determine their potential applicability to research projects.
• Replicate, refine and add/develop new research approaches based on project needs.
• Advise on new direction for research based on study results.
• Monitor project developments on an ongoing basis and implement changes as needed.
• Prepare, organize, and communicate research results.
• Write papers, grants and other documents for publication based on research findings.
• Author and co-author articles for publication and present at scientific symposia and conferences.
• May act as a team lead and coordinating the work of lower-level staff.
• Guide, train and advise lower-level researchers and students on techniques, methods, and procedures.
• Plan, assign and review work of staff to ensure that group objectives are met.
• Train staff to ensure that a qualified staff exists to meet group objectives.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

In addition to the duties listed on the job description, the RAIII will also:

• Manage the execution of research projects to ensure milestones are met
• Coordinate research assistants and study staff to ensure compliance with study protocols
• Manage and execute timely payment of study participants, research advisors, and consultants
• Assist in the development of brief interventions that aim to promote mental health equity
• Support the development of community-academic partnerships by leading and joining community events, meetings, and activities
• Participate in the development and management of the lab's social media and web presence
• Assist in the completion of quarterly and yearly project reports for Lab research projects
• Support the development of a lab climate that facilitates psychological safety, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice
• Assist in Lab training and dissemination activities, as well as training coordination and evaluation
• Participate in scholarship activities, including analyses, manuscript preparation, and grant writing

The successful candidate will have extensive project management experience, significant experience executing qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods social science projects, be exceptionally detail-oriented, possess strong oral and written communication skills, and have excellent interpersonal skills. This is a hybrid position. The successful candidate will work in-person on the Flint Campus a minimum of two days a week and travel to join meetings in the region.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through completion of one or two years of post-bachelor degree work, such as a Master's in Public Mental Health; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in research methodologies, writing reports, supervision, software, data interpretation and handling in area related to research being performed; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and may require special licensing or certification in the field related to the area of employment.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's Degree in social science preferred
• Previous experience: managing NIH grants, including pre-award support, post-award support, reporting (i.e., RPPR), and clinicaltrials.org registration; developing and overseeing the execution of IRB protocols, especially those involving community engaged research; executing qualitative research, including building new interview guides, as well as collecting and analyzing qualitative data; using project management tools like slack and ASANA to support project management; training staff and student research assistants

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Cover Letter

Work Hours

9 A.M.-5 P.M. with flexed 5 hours a week

Description of End Date

This is a limited term position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

https://publichealth.msu.edu/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 09/15/2026 at 11:55 PM