Research Assistant, Behavioral Sciences

Under the supervision of the Principle Investigator, Co-Investigators and Project Manager, the Research Assistant assists in the implementation of the MyTPill project, funded by NIH.

Projects

We are seeking candidates interested in gaining research experience by supporting three ongoing research projects, BRAVVO and UpGage being conducted at the Fenway Institute at Fenway Health, a global leader in LGBTQIA+ health research and a major provider of healthcare services for people who use drugs in the Boston area.

BRAVVO: This is a qualitative study that aims to understand barriers to medication adherence and HIV care engagement for people with HIV. The goal of the study is to create a training for providers and health educators to help support their patients with HIV in engaging in care and achieving viral suppression.

UpGage: This study will involve collaboration between clinical psychology researchers, Fenway Health leaders and staff, and structurally disadvantaged people who use stimulants. We aim to identify critical barriers to HIV prevention services, and unmet (e.g., psychosocial, and structural) needs via in-depth qualitative interviews; select evidence-based intervention content (e.g., skill-building problem-solving and emotion-focused coping skills) to meet these needs; and refine the selected interventions, with provider key stakeholder feedback, to be optimized for implementation in Fenway Health.

Representative Duties:

Implements recruitment efforts that lead to study participation

• Implements and evaluates study recruitment plan by identifying and establishing recruitment sources
• Recruits and interviews potential participants as specified by study protocols
• Maintains and updates related databases

Coordinates study retention efforts

• Implements retention efforts under the direction of the Principle Investigator and Project Manager.
• Assists with the establishment, revision, and evaluation of retention plans
• Completes the day-to-day tasks of study-related retention

Assists in the development of research projects and publications

• Utilizes library and electronic databases to locate and obtain research articles
• Performs administrative duties, as needed, in the development of research proposals
• Participates in conference calls and meetings with collaborators
• Provides updates on recruitment activities
• Assists investigators in assembling materials needed by the Institutional Review Board
• Assists with the publication of research findings through editing, writing, and preparing results.
• Assists with preparing research findings in poster or presentation format (use of Microsoft Power-Point or relevant software)

Conducts interviews and arranges study visits with study participants as specified by study protocols

• Arranges, coordinates and oversees appointments with clients; assesses and documents eligibility and participation status of candidates; arranges follow-up appointments
• Conducts research screenings with potential study participants in a clear, open-minded, non-judgmental context; maintains established guidelines of confidentiality and ethical accountability in all discourse with all study participants

Utilizes written and verbal communication to contribute to the effective functioning of research projects

• Maintains current knowledge of HIV, CBT, LGBT, substance use, and trauma research by reading academic journals, articles and other relevant publications, attending conferences, seminars, forums, trainings and other presentations pertinent to the field
• Participates in open communication and discussion among co-workers regarding changes in protocol procedure and other information pertinent to department goals and objectives

Meets Agency Participatory Expectations

• Adheres to all agency and departmental policies and procedures
• Participates in quality assessment and improvement activities as requested
• Adheres to the highest principles of patient and client confidentiality
• Adheres to established safety policies, procedures and precautions; identifies potential or actual unsafe situations in the environment and takes measures to rectify the situation
• Attends all required meetings, in-services and professional trainings
• Attends all regularly scheduled research meetings, trainings, forums and pertinent FH staff meetings
• Maintains professional competence necessary to perform job responsibilities; maintains and provides agency with records of continuing education activities
• Serves on agency committees and in professional organizations when requested

Performs other related duties as required

Education

• Bachelor's degree in field related to social science research.
• College-level course-work in research-design or statistics around biomedical research and technology design.

Experience/Other Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to take responsibility for assignments and deadlines and to work as part of a team
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills and experience working with diverse communities at risk for HIV infection, particularly gay/lesbian, African American and Latino
• Computer (Microsoft Word, Power-Point, Email) Skills
• Familiarity with database software (SPSS, Microsoft Excel)