Research Assistant

Position Summary:

The Research Assistant will be responsible for collecting and coordinating data related to research protocols in the Youth Rising Lab. Under the guidance of the Lab Coordinator, they will support the daily operations of community-based research studies, focusing on participant outreach, quantitative and qualitative data collection, and coordination with community research partners. The Research Assistant will work closely with the Lab Coordinator and Principal Investigator (PI) on a research program investigating the impact of community violence exposure and traumatic loss on African American adolescents and young adults.

This is a one-year, term-limited position with the possibility of extension based on need and available funding.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate is an empathetic, detail-oriented researcher with experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection, strong community outreach skills, and a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach to researching community violence exposure among African American youth.

Workplace Requirements:

Must be available to work occasional evenings or weekends based on participant and community-site schedules.

Must possess a valid driver's license and the ability to drive to community partner locations.

Workplace Location:

This position is exclusively on-site, requiring all duties to be performed in person. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $20.00/hour

*Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

This position is funded by grant, soft, and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent upon the renewal of funding.

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• 2+ years of experience

  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Skills:

• Strong listening, verbal, and written communication skills

• Ability to work in a team environment, participate actively, collaborate, and motivate others in the lab

• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently

• Ability to plan and schedule effectively

Preferences:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related discipline

• Research experience in a clinical, developmental psychology, or related laboratory setting

• Strong interpersonal and interviewing skills

• Statistical and graphical analysis skills

• Strong scientific and numerical skills, with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy

Essential Functions:

• Community engagement and recruitment: Conduct participant outreach at community-based organizations and schools; recruit and schedule participants via phone or in person at local community sites.

• Data collection: Administer self-report surveys, focus groups, and individual interviews with participants; execute informed-consent procedures in accordance with study protocols.

• Logistics and field coordination: Travel to community research partner locations; communicate with staff at community-based agencies and schools; schedule data-collection sessions; maintain active relationships with research partners.

• Support data quality and compliance: Maintain records, tracking logs, and documentation in adherence to human-subjects research procedures.

• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and protocol-adherence activities.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

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Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at [email protected] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected] . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.