Senior Research Assistant

Job Description:

Position Purpose

The purpose of this position is to recruit and work with participants for a research study evaluating the overlaps between HIV, hepatitis C, and drug use across New England. (RISE-NE). RISE-NE involves working with people who use drugs and people at risk for or  living with HIV to understand a changing risk and resource landscape over a period of many years. In this position, Research Assistants will conduct surveys with qualified participants at syringe services programs across Central and Western Massachusetts. This position requires the ability to travel between different community partner sites and be flexible in fast-paced settings where participants are often unhoused or at least facing many different kinds of structural vulnerability. This position also requires the ability to conduct research in English and Spanish. 

The successful applicant will work closely with the Project Director, a Project Coordinator, other Research Assistants, staff members at community agencies, and Principal Investigators of RISE-NE. This position will be working in the location of Central and Western Massachusetts, and will travel to different community sites that range from Springfield to the northwest corner of Massachusetts.  Job-related activities include, but are not limited to: study visit preparation, participant screening and recruitment (including direct outreach and field-based recruitment), participant retention activities, and survey conduct. Finally, the future Research Assistant will have to manage biological samples (i.e., blood and/or urine), and may be trained in phlebotomy.  There may be future opportunities to be trained in qualitative research methods. The future Research Assistant will have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team, work with key state stakeholders (e.g., local harm reduction agencies), and contribute to some of the most pressing public health problems in the region.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University.

This is a fixed-term position with a current end date of February 28, 2027, which may be extended based upon available funding.

This is a hybrid eligible position

Job Qualifications and Competencies

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field and 3 to 5 research years experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• (e.g., public health, anthropology, sociology, social work or other related field) is preferred but not required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.. Lived experience will be considered for peer-based research studies.

• 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 

Job Competencies

• 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

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-04-28

Job Posting Title:

Senior Research Assistant

Department:

Department of Epidemiology

Grade:

Grade 9

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid

 

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.