Research Assistant

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and Project Manager, the Research Assistant I will conduct interviews and assessments and administer questionnaires; collect, gather, or organize data from different sources (including, for example, electronic medical records or public or other data sources); maintain research databases and files; perform or assist in literature searches; perform general administrative tasks; participate with the research team in conducting basic data analyses and preparing reports, including progress reports and reports of the findings. This specific position will involve supporting the clinical trials and clinical demonstration projects and other clinical research and program development activities of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

N/A

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Recruits subjects to participate in research studies; assesses potential participants for eligibility; enrolls study participants, including explaining research procedures & protocols and obtaining informed consent of subjects and/or their families.
• Schedules appointments of study participants; contacts participants to remind them about appointments.
• Administers questionnaires, conducts interviews and assessments following established protocols, and assists study participants in navigating through questionnaires.
• Identifies subjects with significant clinical concerns and relays this information to the Program Manager or Principal Investigator.
• Maintains patient study files in accordance with legal and institutional guidelines.
• Performs a variety of data management procedures (e.g., data entry, producing basic reports, data cleaning, database maintenance).
• Codes qualitative interviews using codebooks and NVIVO database.
• Utilizes databases (e.g., Excel) to track research activities and to record data.
• Aids in the development of reports, grants, presentations, and data analysis. Assists with manuscript and grant preparation and research.
• Conducts literature searches and synthesizes information in requested formats.
• Attends all required training and meetings of the research team, as instructed by Principal Investigator or Project Manager.
• Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance programs, safety, environmental and infection control standards. Participates in staff meetings/initiatives including appropriate quality improvement and education activities, or if unable to attend non-mandatory activities, accepts responsibility to review meeting minutes and becomes knowledgeable of issues discussed.
• Conforms to College of Medicine and hospital standards of performance and conduct, including those pertaining to patient rights, so that the best possible service and patient care may be provided.
• Follows established infection control and safety procedures.
• Obtains and distributes reimbursements/participation vouchers and/or payments.
• Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to read and write fluently in English required. Additional language skill in the language of target community is a plus.
• Professional demeanor, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, reliability, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must have the ability to take initiative and handle multiple priorities and tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively (listen and build trust) and be non-judgmentally with people of different gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, ethnic, language and cultural backgrounds.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (i.e. MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook) and web browsers.  Experience with statistical software (NVIVO) is a plus.
• Coursework in data collection and research methodology.
• Must successfully complete training in human subjects research certification.
• Ability to work independently after receiving instruction.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelors’ degree required. Master’s degree or doctoral student preferred. 1-3 years of research experience is required. Experience in mental health, public health and/or clinical studies is preferred.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

$44,000-$54,000