Research Assistant

• Recruit and work with participants for a research study evaluating the overlaps between HIV, hepatitis C, and drug use across New England (RISE-NE)
• Conduct surveys with qualified participants at syringe services programs across Central and Western Massachusetts
• Travel between different community partner sites
• Work closely with the Project Director, a Project Coordinator, other Research Assistants, staff members at community agencies, and Principal Investigators of RISE-NE
• Study visit preparation
• Participant screening and recruitment (including direct outreach and field-based recruitment)
• Participant retention activities
• Survey conduct
• Manage biological samples (i.e., blood and/or urine)
• May be trained in phlebotomy
• May be trained in qualitative research methods
• Work with key state stakeholders (e.g., local harm reduction agencies)
• Contribute to some of the most pressing public health problems in the region

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and 1 to 2 research years (e.g., public health, anthropology, sociology, social work or other related field) is preferred but not required
• Coursework in research methods is preferred
• 1+ years relevant work experience in the field of substance use (including but not limited to overdose prevention and harm reduction), HIV, public health, health services, or other relevant fields
• Experience with survey and database software, such as Qualtrics or REDCap, preferred
• Experience in qualitative and/or ethnographic data collection methods and analysis, with evidence of strong facilitation skills preferred
• Comfort and experience working with people who use drugs, people living with HIV, and/or other vulnerable populations
• Community-based research experience preferred
• Phlebotomy trained preferred
• Experience and comfort working with people who use drugs and/or people living with HIV
• Strong software proficiency (i.e. Microsoft Office [Word, Excel, PowerPoint]), with willingness to learn and utilize new software applications as needed (e.g. REDCap, Qualtrics, NVivo)
• Proven ability to work effectively manage a caseload of participants, including setting priorities and meeting deadlines for administrative work
• Strong interest in public health, with a focus on harm reduction and substance use
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills
• Strong attention to detail, high level of professionalism and organization required
• Efficient time management skills
• Knowledge of human subjects research procedures
• Able to conduct surveys and interviews in English and Spanish
• Owns a car, and is able to drive for 2-3 hours at a time

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here