Staff Research Associate

The Hollister Group; Newton (MA); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Contract-to-hire opportunity

Job summary

The Hollister Group is hiring a Research Associate in a hybrid, contract-to-hire role focused on applied research and program evaluation in the behavioral health and education space. You will support IRB administration, data collection, and stakeholder reporting while balancing multiple priorities.

Ideal candidate has a Master’s in a related field, 3+ years of experience, and strong skills in Qualtrics, REDCap, R, and NVivo. You will translate questions into ethical, data-informed outcomes.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in applied social science research, program evaluation, public health, education research, data science, or related field.
• 3+ years of applied research/program evaluation experience.
• Knowledge of human-subjects protections and 45 CFR Part 46.
• Experience with Qualtrics/REDCap and quantitative/qualitative methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead applied research and program evaluation using mixed methods.
• Translate stakeholder needs into evaluation plans and data-collection strategies.
• Prepare reports and data visualizations for diverse audiences.
• Maintain research data workflows and support Qualtrics/REDCap operations.
• Oversee IRB processes, including intake, amendments, and documentation.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Qualitative analysis

Survey administration

Data visualization

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in applied social science research

Tools

Qualtrics

REDCap

R

Excel

NVivo

Job description

In this hybrid, contract-to-hire opportunity, our client (a mission-driven organization in the behavioral health and education space) is looking for a Research Associate to support applied research and program evaluation—while also playing a key role in human-subjects protections and IRB administration. This position is well-suited for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys balancing multiple priorities (evaluation, compliance, systems support, consultation, and operations), and can translate complex questions into practical, ethical, and data-informed outcomes.

Compensation

• $30.00/hr – $35.00/hr
• Upon conversion: $65,000- 75,000

Responsibilities

• Drive applied research and program evaluation efforts using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches
• Turn stakeholder, program, and funder needs into clear evaluation plans, measures, and data-collection strategies
• Manage and communicate findings through reports, summaries, and data visualizations for internal and external audiences
• Maintain and improve research data-collection workflows, including administration and troubleshooting in Qualtrics and REDCap
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to provide practical guidance on research design, evaluation strategy, and research operations
• Oversee IRB process execution, including intake, reviewer coordination, amendment tracking, documentation, and workflow management
• Support compliance and best practices related to human-subjects protections, research ethics, and institutional requirements (including 45 CFR Part 46)
• Advise faculty, staff, and students on IRB expectations and ethically sound research practices

Requirements

• Education: Master’s degree preferred in applied social science research, program evaluation, public health, education research, data science, or a closely related field
• Experience: 3+ years of relevant applied research and/or program evaluation experience (industry background may vary)
• Working knowledge of human-subjects protections, research ethics, and research compliance (including the Common Rule / 45 CFR Part 46)
• Quantitative data management and analysis skills using tools such as R and/or Excel (or comparable analytics tools)
• Qualitative research experience, including structured coding/analysis (e.g., NVivo or similar)
• Hands-on experience building/administering surveys in Qualtrics and managing data in REDCap
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical and regulatory topics to mixed audiences
• Highly organized, adaptable, and able to manage shifting priorities in a collaborative, matrixed environment

Our Commitment to Inclusion & Belonging

The Hollister Group is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people who are under-represented in their respective occupation or position.