RESEARCH ASSISTANT, School of Social Work, Administration

Boston University - Boston, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Boston, MA

Educational Services

About the position

We are looking to hire a bilingual (Spanish) speaking Research Assistant (RA) to work on a randomized clinical trial funded by the National Institute of Health. This project aims to train community health workers to deliver behavioral treatment to reduce harms related to heavy drinking and drug use in the community. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, and be highly motivated to work with a culturally diverse population. The RA will play a crucial role in the implementation of the study, which includes various responsibilities such as advertising, screening and recruiting eligible participants, scheduling and coordinating participant meetings, and managing participant payment procedures. Additionally, the RA will maintain timely communications with participants to ensure treatment engagement, administer all study-related assessments, and assist with data collection, scoring, and entry. The position requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree. Candidates should have 1-3 years of relevant experience, preferably in a research setting, and must demonstrate excellent organizational skills and a professional attitude. The RA must be capable of working independently and as part of a team, with a strong emphasis on attention to detail. Knowledge of computer applications, including word processing, Endnote, and Excel, is preferred, along with familiarity with experimental research methodology and clinical research procedures. Flexibility in work schedule is essential, as the RA may need to work some evenings and weekends, and travel to study sites is required.

Responsibilities

• Advertising the study to potential participants
• Screening and recruiting eligible participants
• Scheduling and coordinating participant meetings
• Managing participant payment procedures
• Maintaining timely communications with participants to ensure treatment engagement
• Administering all study-related assessments
• Assisting with data collection, scoring, and entry

Requirements

• Bilingual in Spanish (Native speakers strongly encouraged)
• Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) in psychology or related field preferred
• 1-3 years of relevant experience
• Previous research experience through academic training or work experience preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently
• Flexibility in work schedule, including some possible evening hours
• Knowledge of computer applications, including word processing, Endnote, and Excel preferred
• Knowledge of experimental research methodology and clinical research procedures preferred
• Must provide own transportation to research sites

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of the American Psychological Association Publication Manual and ethical code preferred

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer
• Consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or marital, parental, or veteran status