Research Specialist I

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 24,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

University of Missouri-Columbia is seeking a Research Specialist I to provide research and administrative support for a study led by Dr. Timothy Trull in the Department of Psychological Sciences.

This in-person role collaborates with the research team to recruit participants, collect data, manage payments, and ensure protocol compliance. The position supports smartphone-based data collection, momentary assessments, and breathalyzer readings, with duties including scheduling, data checks, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 1 year of experience.
• Experience working on research projects or recruitment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with participant recruitment, scheduling, and tracking. Maintain communication with potential and enrolled participants, screen for eligibility, coordinate study visits and reminders, and ensure confidentiality and adherence to protocols.
• Support data collection and management. Prepare study materials, distribute surveys through mobile platforms, collect and enter data, perform basic checks, and flag irregularities for review by senior staff.
• Assist with participant payments and documentation. Track compensation, prepare payment requests, and ensure records comply with university policy.
• Provide routine study updates. Compile weekly recruitment and data tracking reports, and communicate participant compliance and project status to the project manager and PI.
• General laboratory and research support. Maintain research files, order supplies, and assist other project staff with day-to-day operations.

Skills

Participant recruitment

Data collection

Coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Survey platforms

Job description

Hiring Department

Department of Psychological Sciences in the College of Arts & Science.

Job Description

This position provides research and administrative support for a research study led by Dr. Timothy Trull that examines patterns of alcohol use during the transition to legal drinking age. The study uses smartphone-based data collection, ecological momentary assessments, and portable breathalyzer readings to gather real-time behavioral data.

This position will assist with participant recruitment and coordination, support data collection and management, process participant payments, and help ensure adherence to research protocols and compliance standards. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with study participants and team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with participant recruitment, scheduling, and tracking. Maintain communication with potential and enrolled participants, screen individuals for eligibility, coordinate study visits and reminders, and ensure participant confidentiality and adherence to study protocols
• Support data collection and management. Prepare study materials, distribute surveys through mobile platforms, collect and enter data, perform basic data checks, and flag irregularities for review by senior research staff
• Assist with participant payments and documentation. Track compensation, prepare payment requests, and ensure records are complete and compliant with university policy
• Provide routine study updates. Compile weekly recruitment and data tracking reports, and communicate participant compliance and project status to the project manager and principal investigator
• General laboratory and research support. Maintain research files, order supplies, and assist other project staff with day-to-day operations as needed

The anticipated start date for this position is between January 2027 and July 2027. While the exact start date is flexible and will be determned in consultation with the selected candidate, the appointment is not expected to begin before January 2027 or after July 2027.

Shift

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working on research projects and/or recruitment is preferred.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary: $17.40 - $23.85 per hour

Grade: GGS 007

University Title: Research Specialist I

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Other Information

This is an in-person role on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus. Candidates must be residents of the State of Missouri or willing to relocate prior to the hire date.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.