Hourly Research Assistant - Undergraduate or Graduate Student

About the role

Dr. Jennie Hill in the University of Utah School of Medicine’s Population Health Sciences Department is seeking to hire one to two student research assistants to support research tasks, including training in rapid qualitative data approaches for an NIH‑funded project. We are looking for students who are enthusiastic about community‑based projects, rural health, and child and adolescent health and who want to expand their skill set. Research assistants will support a variety of research tasks and will be trained to code qualitative interview transcripts. This is a part‑time hourly position from November 2026 to December 2027, with a possible extension based on performance and funding.

Responsibilities

• Daily Research Tasks As Assigned
• Participate in weekly team meetings with the research team, as schedule allows.
• Support data tracking, data coding, and qualitative analysis as needed for the BHF trial.
• Attend implementation support sessions with community‑based implementation teams for note‑taking and other data collection needs.
• Other tasks as assigned.
• Specific Qualitative Data Training And Coding Tasks
• Participate in one 4‑hour (approximate time) training session, which will cover policies and procedures of this study and use of the codebook.
• The research assistant must achieve a minimum level of proficiency and accuracy in coding and analysis.
• Assist the research team with the coding of process and interview data (training provided) and other tasks related to qualitative data analysis.
• Maintain frequent communication with the UU staff and researchers, including regular text or email communication with the research coordinator.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of undergraduate coursework (i.e., junior or senior undergraduate) or current MS/MPH or similar graduate student.
• Strong work habits including punctuality and reliability.
• The ability to work independently and with an interdisciplinary team.
• No travel is required.
• Use of typical Microsoft Office software, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Candidate must be willing to comply with all local and UU requirements for work (i.e., background check).

Preferences

• Preference for previous research experience or course equivalent, particularly qualitative research experience.
• Demonstrated written or other work products (i.e., written papers, methods sections, or similar product from a course or previous work).
• Preference for 15‑20 hours per week, with ability to attend regular standing meetings (i.e., 9‑5 pm Mountain Standard Time).

Pay

The minimum hourly rate is $20.00 (depending on education and previous work experience).

Schedule

Standard hours per week: 19 (part‑time). Work schedule summary: M‑F 8‑5. Minimum availability of 10 hours per week; must be able to provide a 3‑hour block of time on at least 2 days/week to attend required training and meetings. Trainings and weekly team meetings are paid work hours. Use the time card system to report hours. Preference for 15‑20 hours per week.