Research Assistant, Behavioral Sciences

 Under the supervision of the Principal Investigators, and the Project Directors, the Research Assistant assists in the implementation of behavioral science research projects. The ideal candidate would be someone with a strong interest in working with people with HIV, including sexual and gender minority people, those who use drugs, and individuals over 50 years old.

  

Projects

We are seeking candidates interested in gaining research experience by supporting three ongoing research projects, Matter, iSTRIVE, and Bridge to Belonging (B2B) 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.

Project Matter is a randomized controlled trial testing a psycho-behavioral intervention. The principal investigator of the study is Abigail Batchelder. The primary aims of the study are to assess the efficacy of the MATTER intervention on viral suppression compared to a time-matched control arm in two priority locations: the Boston, Massachusetts and Miami, Florida metro areas. The MATTER intervention aims to reduce the negative behavioral consequences of internalized stigma and shame to improve HIV care outcomes (i.e., viral suppression) among gender minority people who have sex with men living with HIV and substance use disorders. 

Project iSTRIVE is a pilot randomized controlled trial. The principal investigator of the study is Abigail Batchelder, PhD, MPH, an affiliated investigator at The Fenway Institute, as well as the Director of the Behavioral Health Equity Program and Associate Vice Chair of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Boston Medical Center. 

The primary aim of the study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a refined stigma-focused intervention designed to improve engagement in HIV-care among adults living with HIV who inject drugs and who are sub-optimally engaged in HIV care. The behavioral intervention will be paired with a financially incentivized directly observed therapy intervention administered via mobile app.

Project B2B (Bridge to Belonging) is an intervention development study. The multiple principal investigators of the study are Abigail Batchelder and Sean Cahill, PhD. The primary aim of the study is to develop, refine, and pilot test the B2B intervention intended to reduce loneliness and depressive symptoms among older gay and bisexual men living with HIV by helping them to meaningfully engage in community-building, LGBTQ+ affirming elder services. 

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)

  This is a union position in a Fenway Health bargaining unit represented by 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. 
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 11 paid holidays, paid vacation, and more.
LGBTQIA+ identified persons, people of color, and others from historically underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.