Research Assistant

The Heller School at Brandeis University seeks to hire a Research Assistant. This person will contribute substantively to several research projects at IBH. This person will work closely with the principal investigator (Traci Green). The Research Associate I will perform general administration tasks to advance project interests in a timely manner and will lead training and coordination of a novel drug checking project using spectrometers. The person will conduct primary data collection such as interviews, data abstraction, and scanning of drug packaging. Tasks include participating in research project management; analysis of scans; preparation of reports and public and community partner facing materials, conducting interviews and collecting data; and performing basic quantitative analysis. Travel to meetings, performing site visits on a monthly basis or as necessary is an additional requirement along with other miscellaneous project specific tasks. 

Examples of Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct project administration activities including tracking deadlines, sending reminders, and ensuring that the project activities and tasks are done in a timely manner. Schedule meetings, take notes, and conduct follow-up as appropriate.
• Prepare or assist with presentations for conferences and meetings; prepare or assist with preparation of consent forms, manuscripts and other project materials.
• Conduct drug checking with FTIR spectrometer and other devices. Catalogue and communicate results to research team and community partners per protocol. Train others in working with the devices. Conduct basic quantitative and qualitative data analysis Conduct surveys and interviews: Engage with participants, develop a professional relationship, explain study and conduct informed consent process, administer surveys and semi-structure interviews, take notes, write up notes and/or prepare for transcription of interviews.
• Create data management tools (e.g., excel database, qualtrics surveys), enter data into and manage databases.
• Interact with and collect data from community partners and participants (e.g., police departments, stakeholders, harm reduction sites). Maintain contacts and relationships with team members and partners (e.g., alliance for collaborative drug checking group members, partner organization staff), assist with participant recruitment.
• Provide general research support and project tasks as required or assigned.
• Travel to meetings, scanning, surveys/interviews and site visits as needed.

Skills & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree plus 1-3 years experience.

Experience working with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer required. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, organization, writing skills are necessary.

Skilled use of standard computer programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and willing to learn (e.g., bibliographic software, qualitative data software).

Excellent attention to detail and time management, working under deadliness, able to prioritize multiple tasks, and problem solving required. Must be able to travel locally.

Closing Statement

Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.