Research Assistant

Overview

Assists in the development of research proposals, implementation of research designs (e.g., data collection, data entry/summary) and the preparation of reports under the close supervision of research project staff. Works under direct supervision.

Responsibilities
• Conducts literature searches (including computerized searches), retrieves articles, reviews for appropriateness/relevancy of content, and prepares literature review summary, as directed. • Assists researcher in the development of primary data collection instruments (e.g., interview protocols, patient questionnaires) by reviewing instruments used in related studies, identifying standardized and validated questions, organizing questions into logical groups, etc. • Contacts subjects to solicit cooperation by providing information and answering questions about protocol process • Collects data through subject interviews (including in-person, telephone and e-mail interviews) using standardized questionnaires/other tools, through abstracting data from records or through published sources, as directed. Enters data into appropriate databases. • Prepares tables, charts and graphs for inclusion in reports. • Prepares reference lists of the literature reviewed over the course of a project for inclusion in reports, papers and other documents describing the project and its results. • Tracks project budget expenditures (e.g., expenditures on books, expert panel travel costs, consultant fees) under the direction of the project manager. • Performs general office duties (i.e., filing, photocopying, taking minutes of meetings, coordinating conference/meeting logistics). • Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in health care, social service, social sciences or related discipline preferred

Work Experience:
Excellent oral communication and organizational skills required Proficient with personal computers, including word processing, spreadsheet/chart/graph/database preparation. (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) required Minimum of one year of related experience in a health or policy research setting preferred Some experience conducting in-person and telephone interviews, and/or focus groups preferred