Research Assistant

About the role

The Research Assistant will collect and coordinate data for research protocols in the Youth Rising Lab. Working under the Lab Coordinator, the assistant supports daily operations of community‑based studies, focusing on participant outreach, quantitative and qualitative data collection, and coordination with community research partners. The role contributes to 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 possible extension based on need and funding.

Responsibilities

• Conduct participant outreach at community‑based organizations and schools; recruit and schedule participants via phone or in person.
• Administer self‑report surveys, focus groups, and individual interviews; execute informed‑consent procedures per study protocols.
• Travel to community research partner locations; communicate with staff at agencies and schools; schedule data‑collection sessions.
• 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent education on a year‑for‑year basis).
• Strong listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and motivate others.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently.
• Effective planning and scheduling abilities.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive to community partner locations.
• Availability to work occasional evenings or weekends based on participant and community‑site schedules.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related discipline; research experience in a clinical, developmental psychology, or related lab; strong interpersonal and interviewing skills; statistical and graphical analysis skills; meticulous scientific and numerical accuracy.

Pay

$20.00 per hour. Non‑Exempt (hourly) position eligible for overtime. Position is funded by grant, soft, and/or restricted funds; continued employment depends on renewal of funding.

Schedule

Occasional evenings or weekends may be required to accommodate participant and community‑site schedules.

Benefits

Details on benefits can be found at Rice University Benefits.