Research Assistant

Job Description:

Responsibilities for this Research Assistant position will include participant recruitment, preparation and maintenance of study record, completion of baseline and follow-up study procedures, completion of training (and setup) with participants on the use of the ecological devices, scheduling of follow-up assessments, driving to participant homes to pick up research devices, and conducting closely supervised clinical interviews. This position involves learning REDCap programming and data entry as well as learning how to implement procedures for setup of the ecological devices. Research Assistants on this project will conduct closely supervised clinical interviews. This position may also involve preparing data and data structures for NIH Data Sharing Procedures. The Research Assistant may be responsible for basic statistical analyses of data and in preparation of data for presentations. Lastly, this position will work closely with other study staff and the principle investigator(s) with regards to study management, preparation of Institutional Review Board (IRB) documentation, reporting to NIDA/NIH, and other administrative tasks.

 

The Research Assistant will work on NIMH-funded research focused on understanding the ways that late night social media use impacts sleep and, in turn, emotional reactivity and suicidality in high risk adolescent populations. Primary responsibilities will be related to the R01 investigation “Social Media Use, Sleep, and Suicidality in Adolescents.” This research examines the ways that late night online social messaging contributes to delays in sleep onset. Over time, delays in sleep onset in combination with inability to phase shift the wake time for adolescents, contributes to impairments in cognitive and emotional capacity for managing daily stress, resulting in overall vulnerability throughout the day as well as a shift of vulnerability to the evenings when research has shown increases in adolescent suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The present research longitudinal research will examine these processes in the real world using a combination of text extraction of online social messaging during the intensive sampling period, ecological momentary assessment, and wearable technology in combination with predictive algorithms.

 

This research study is being conducted in collaboration with the RI Resilience Lab at Brown University, led by Dr. Nicole Nugent (Primary Investigator). RI Resilience Lab implements innovative and impactful research with real world implications for individuals and families coping with trauma and adversity. The lab is committed to a culture of collaboration and respect across diverse training and individual backgrounds; faculty are committed to promoting career and professional development for lab members.

 

This is a fixed term position with a current end date of 7/31/2028 which may be extended based upon available funding.

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Pre-Med, or related field.

• Required: 1-2 years of research experience conducting interviews, data collection, or data management.

• Experience with ecological momentary assessment, IRB, NIH data-sharing, and clinical interviewing is highly desired.

• And/or equivalent combination of education and experience

 

Job Competencies

• Must possess strong organizational and research skills

• Attention to detail

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Effective problem-solving skills

• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize work flow

• Willingness to develop skills with technology and capacity for resourcefulness in troubleshooting technological devices.

• Must be available for evening and weekend research sessions.

• Must provide own transportation between patient’s home and research sites as needed.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION CHECK REQUIRED

Benefits of Working at Brown:

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

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-02-19

Job Posting Title:

Research Assistant

Department:

Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior

Grade:

Grade 8

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Onsite

 

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.