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: 

The Research Assistant will provide comprehensive support for the BRAVE study, an NIH-funded (K23MH126312) stepped-wedge hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial testing a cognitive-behavioral intervention to reduce violence risk among young adults with early psychosis. The Research Assistant will assist with participant recruitment and enrollment, coordinate study visits across collaborating early intervention sites, collect and manage quantitative and qualitative data, support intervention delivery logistics, and contribute to data analysis and dissemination activities.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: 

None. This position reports directly to the Principal Investigator and may coordinate tasks with collaborating site staff, research assistants, and clinicians involved in the trial.

NATURE AND SCOPE: 

The position is housed in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Howard University and involves close collaboration with clinical teams at early intervention sites participating in the BRAVE trial. The Research Assistant will play a central role in ensuring study integrity, maintaining regulatory compliance, and facilitating efficient data flow between study partners. This position requires excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, comfort working with sensitive clinical populations, and adherence to ethical research practices.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Recruit, screen, and consent study participants in accordance with approved protocols.
• Schedule and coordinate study sessions, assessments, and follow-up visits across sites.
• Administer and score behavioral and self-report measures; enter and verify study data.
• Maintain participant tracking databases and ensure data quality and confidentiality.
• Support the preparation and submission of IRB documents, progress reports, and other regulatory materials.
• Contribute to data cleaning, coding, and preliminary statistical analyses.
• Assist in preparing manuscripts, presentations, and study materials.
• Communicate regularly with site clinicians and research partners to monitor study progress and troubleshoot challenges.
• Participate in weekly research meetings and provide updates on recruitment and data collection.

CORE COMPETENCIES:    

• Ability to read and write English is required.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with diverse participants and professionals.
• Working knowledge of research ethics and confidentiality.
• Familiarity with REDCap, Qualtrics, or similar data collection platforms preferred.

• Interest in mental health research, early psychosis, and behavioral interventions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Public Health, Neuroscience, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred. At least one year of prior experience in human subjects research, preferably in mental health or behavioral intervention trials. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data management software (REDCap, SPSS, or R desirable). Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Availability for occasional evening or weekend hours to accommodate participant schedules.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

$50,000-$60,000