Research Associate

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, and Project Manager, the Research Associate assists in the implementation of behavioral science research projects. This position is grant funded for the period of one year, after which the position will be reevaluated for coverage on this or other grant funds available at the time. The expected start date for this position is May 2024.

Representative Duties:

Implements recruitment efforts that lead to study participation

• Designs recruitment plans with a focus on diversity of potential participants
• Implements and evaluates recruitment plans by identifying and establishing recruitment sources
• Recruits and screens potential participants for eligibility as specified by study protocols
• Maintains and updates related recruitment tracking logs and databases
• Attends community recruitment events as applicable to advertise studies

Coordinates study retention efforts

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

Schedules and conducts study visits with study participants as specified by study protocols

• Arranges, coordinates and oversees study visits with clients; assesses and documents eligibility and participation status of candidates; arranges follow-up study visits
• 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
• Conducts remote and in-person study visits, including administration of quantitative and qualitative assessments
• Conducts phlebotomy and basic sample processing

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 PowerPoint 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
• Arrange for payment of study participant

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

• Maintains current knowledge of HIV and mental health research especially as they pertain to LGBTIA+ and Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC), and sex worker communities 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 including meetings of the Behavioral Sciences Research Program Wednesdays at 10am.
• 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

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in field related to social science research.
• College-level course-work in research-design or statistics for behavioral or social sciences.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills and experience working with diverse communities at risk for HIV infection, particularly sexual minority men, transgender individuals, and BIPOC individuals.
• Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with colleagues, patients, clients and vendors across the spectrum of diversity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, national origin and immigrant status, religious or spiritual identity, disability (physical, mental, emotional and developmental), veteran status, and/or limited English proficiency.
• Willingness to contribute towards Fenway’s efforts in becoming an anti-racist organization and promoting a culture dedicated to ongoing development in service of humility, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, where differences are acknowledged and valued.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to take responsibility for assignments and deadlines and to work as part of a team
• Detail-oriented
• Computer (Microsoft Word, Power-Point, Email) Skills
• Familiarity with database software (SPSS, Microsoft Excel)

We offer competitive salaries, and for those who qualify, an excellent benefits package; including comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans, and a retirement plan with employer match. We also provide 12 paid holidays, paid vacation, and more.

LGBTQIA+ identified persons, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC), and individuals from other historically underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.