Career Center

Job Description:

This Research Assistant (RA) will support a mixed-methods (laboratory and field-based) study of cannabis and alcohol and cannabis co-use on alcohol outcomes. Activities will include participant recruitment and screening, following project protocol for retention of participants, collecting data, data entry, and general support work of the project. The RA is expected to work with individuals participating in addictions-related research to be assessed during laboratory and field-based research protocols. The RA is expected to screen and assess individuals for eligibility and to collect laboratory data involving the administration of alcohol and cannabis, train participants in protocol for a field-based data collection and monitor that data collection daily. The RA is expected to help with organization and maintenance of project documents and files and help with assembling materials for IRB modifications and progress reports. Finally, the RA may be required to have their own form of transportation, as they will possibly travel within ~25 miles of Providence, RI to conduct brief assessments at participantsâ™ homes or neutral off-site locations. RA will be compensated for the mileage.

Note: This is a fixed term position with an end date of 5/1/2027, which may be extended based upon available funding.

Major Responsibility:   Laboratory data collection with research participants.     30 %

Supporting Actions:   The RA will be responsible for collection of psychological, behavioral, and cognitive data from research participants in accordance with a standardized protocol involving laboratory cannabis and alcohol administration. The RA will conduct in-person and telephone interviews with research participants and administer clinical diagnostic interviews and standardized tests.  Valid data collection requires a clear understanding of project objectives and assessment instruments.  The RA will be responsible for administration of cannabis and alcohol to participants following standardized procedures.  The RA will administer the study testing materials including assessment battery, computer-based behavioral tests, clinical diagnostic interviews, urine drug and pregnancy tests, and other biological indicators of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use in accordance with standardized research protocol. The RA will be responsible for scheduling and meeting with research participants and administering the study assessment protocol and sobriety evaluation at the end of the study visits. The RA will administer informed consent to study participants and will ensure that informed consent forms are collected and securely stored.  The RA will be prepared to handle potential adverse reactions and intoxication following appropriate training in protocol procedures and seek guidance as per the study protocol. They will ensure that data are collected in a timely and complete manner and will reviews data packets for compliance with research protocol.  The RA will ensure that study protocol is executed with great attention to detail and following exact study procedures. The RA will ensure that all study assessments are conducted with a high degree of reliability, accuracy, and in adherence with the study protocol.  The RA will be responsible for understanding and implementing all study procedures related to participant safety and confidentiality.  Excellent communication skills are necessary for interactions with the research team and study participants.  Excellent organization skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently are necessary to implement the study protocol correctly and efficiently. 

Major Responsibility:  Field-based data collection with research participants 30 %

Supporting Actions: The RA will be expected to assist the PI in programming and monitoring screening logs and surveys in Qualtrics and smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys. The RA will also track participants during the EMA portion of the study using detailed logs; and correspond with participants regarding compliance. The RA will train participants in mobile data collection procedures and conduct daily tracking of survey completion to monitor participant compliance. Finally, the RA will need to travel to a participant's home or neutral location to conduct data collection.

Major Responsibility:  Participant recruitment and retention         20 %

Supporting Actions: The RA will be expected to post advertisements (virtually and physically around town), field contact attempts from interested participants, manage screening, and schedule eligible participants. In addition, once enrolled the RA will be expected to keep in regular contact with participants with the goal of retaining them in the study, including reminder calls, texts, and emails.  

Major Responsibility:   Administrative duties related to research   10 %

Supporting Actions: The RA will be responsible for tracking research participants, scheduling study visits, and arranging transportation for participants.  The RA will disburse and record participant payments in a timely manner according to established protocol.  The RA will maintain complete and up-to-date records on participant study completion and monitor participant status.  Other administrative duties include generation of internal reports on project progress, tracking of study supplies, and calibration of basic research equipment such as digital breath analysis devices. Provide assistance to the PI and project coordinator in preparing IRB submissions and assist with continuing review materials for the various agencies that provide monitoring and oversight of the study (NIH, FDA, DEA).

Major Responsibility:   Data Management.  10%

Supporting Actions: The RA will be involved in data collection and processing (e.g., creating and monitoring online surveys). They will be trained on cleaning statistical data including running computerized error checks on data sets, checking raw data for errors, and identifying data irregularities.

Decisions free to make:

• Time and tasks can be managed independently

• Scheduling study subjects for interviews and lab sessions which includes time, place, and provision of transportation from the experimental session.

• Appropriate strategies which fall within project protocols for locating a participant, taking into consideration the importance of maintaining the participantâ™s right to confidentiality.

• Decides whether participant responses to assessments are acceptable or not.  If responses are not acceptable, must probe further without making the participant feel like his/her behavior is being judged.  Decisions made are based on scientific knowledge of assessment, established objectives, policies, precedents, or procedures.

• Using established codebooks as guides, how to score and enter the data that have been collected.

• Communications with participants related to completing follow-ups and payment-related questions, following guidelines established by team and IRB approvals.

• Organizing and reporting participant payment data, consistent with policies of Center and University

• Implementing follow-up prompts and communications, consistent with study protocol

Decisions that depend on supervisory advice:

• Modifications/improvements to data integrity or established study protocols.

• Establishing procedures for protocols for new projects.

• Recommendations for ways in which methodologies of study could be improved.

• Scientific decisions about ways to present summary data for reports.

Dimensions

• Up to 300 participants to be recruited to obtain the final sample with complete data of N =200:  Responsible for following participants from recruitment through end of study.

• 5 year project.

• 4 in-person study visits per participant, followed by 4 weeks of field-based data collection, with the overall study participation to be completed over the course of 2-3 months.

• Participant payments to be managed over the course of project.

• Weekly report of research participantsâ™ status

• Daily monitoring of participant compliance to EMA surveys and study protocols

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience

• BA or BS in psychology or related field with 1-2 yearsâ™ experience (other degrees considered based on work experience) or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and Powerpoint is required.

• Experience with human subjects applications and modifications is preferred.

• Coursework in research design and statistics and addiction/substance use is preferred.

• Knowledge of research methodology and reporting; experience and familiarity with IRB procedures.

• Experience in programming online surveys (e.g., Qualtrics software) is preferred

• Experience managing databases is preferred

Job Competencies

Indicate the essential job competencies. Competencies are required knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the job successfully.

• Strong verbal abilities and communication skills; excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; attention to detail; maturity, and responsibility.

• Access to a personal vehicle and willingness to drive within 25 mile radius is preferred (note: reimbursement for mileage is provided).

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, perform multiple tasks efficiently and accurately, take initiative and maintain organized working conditions required.

• Ability to function as a research team member and leader.

• Must be able to work late afternoons, evenings, and some weekends when necessary.

• Must be available to work onsite at Brown University

• Two-year commitment is required and long-term commitment preferred.

• Possess a willingness and ability to support and promote a diverse and inclusive campus community.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

General Physical Demands

☒ Requires ability to read

☒ Requires moving around campus

☒ Requires occasionally standing, sitting, walking; using hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls;  reaching with hands and arms; climbing stairs; hearing; talking

☒ Requires frequently moving about inside the office to access printer, files, and other materials/equipment

☒ Operates a computer and other office equipment

☒ Some travel may be required

Lift/Carry/Push/Pull

☒ Typically less than 10 pounds

Use of Chemicals
N/A

Additional physical demands and working conditions:

This position requires responsibility, accountability, flexibility, creativity, willingness to adapt to and meet changing priorities, ability to work as part of a team using a problem-solving orientation. This position requires completion of EHS and job-specific training for handling of biological specimens in a laboratory setting.  This position involves all aspects of a clinical trial. Flexibility in work schedule is required, including some weekends.  This position involves monitoring (including background check) and oversight by the DEA and the FDA and working with Schedule I drug.â‚

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Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

Vaccination Requirements:

In order to maintain 90% or greater universal vaccination rates on campus, all newly hired employees at Brown University must receive the final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before they begin work, unless they are approved for a medical or religious exemption. All employees must also receive a COVID-19 booster within thirty (30) days of becoming eligible. For more information, please visit the Healthy Brown site.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].

EEO Statement:

Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.

Brown University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community; as an EEO/AA employer, Brown considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, race, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.