Brandeis University is delighted to announce a career opportunity as the Research Assistant at the Heller School in the Institute of Behavior Health (IBH). If you are looking for an opportunity to work at a beautiful suburban campus with lots of perks including free parking, look no further. At Brandeis we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package which includes medical, dental and life insurances. We also offer a generous paid time off benefit. If you are looking to advance your career through educational opportunities, Brandeis offers free tuition for employees, dependents and spouses. Our 403b retirement savings plan includes a generous match.

As the Research Assistant you will contribute substantively to several research projects at IBH. Working closely with the principal investigator, Traci Green, you will perform general administration tasks to advance project interests in a timely manner and will conduct spectral scan analysis for a novel drug checking project using specialized software and spectrometers. You will support the coordination of a new network of community drug checking programs and conduct primary data collection such as scanning and analysis of drug packaging and analysis of scans from other sites. Tasks include analysis of scans; assistance with preparation of reports and public and community partner facing materials, collecting data; helping to coordinate a new multi-site network; and performing basic quantitative analysis.

This is a full-time role, fully grant funded.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct drug checking and spectral analysis with FTIR spectrometer and other devices and related software. Catalogue and communicate results to research team and community partners per protocol. Conduct basic data analysis and quality control checks.
• Support the coordination of a new community-based network of drug checking programs (e.g., assist with communications to sites, protocol standardization and documentation, software integration testing, etc).
• Create and maintain data management tools (e.g., excel database, Qualtrics surveys, Google suite), enter data into and manage databases. Interact with and collect data from community partners and participants (e.g., stakeholders, harm reduction sites).
• Train others in drug checking activities including operating FTIR spectrometers and spectral analysis.
• Prepare or assist with presentations for conferences and meetings.
• Provide general research support and project tasks as required or assigned.

Education, Qualifications, and Additional Information:

Bachelor’s degree plus 1-3 years related experience

Experience working in harm reduction or drug checking. Experience working with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer preferred. Willingness to learn use of Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) if no direct experience working with the instrument. Research experience preferred.

Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, organization, writing skills are necessary. Skilled use of standard computer programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and willing to learn (e.g., specialized software).

Excellent attention to detail and time management, working under deadliness, able to prioritize multiple tasks, and problem solving required.

Must be able to travel locally.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are important values at Brandeis today and always have been for they are rooted in our founding as an institution. These values serve as a reminder for self-reflection, and a continuous call to grow for us as Brandeisans. Founded as a model institution for ethnic and religious pluralism, Brandeis University welcomes students, faculty, and staff of all nationalities, religions, and orientations. Moreover, social justice is central to the mission of Brandeis, which endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the evolving diversity of our larger society. Read more online about our Mission and Diversity Statements at Brandeis Mission and Diversity Statements.

If you are interested in a role and have relevant experience but your work history does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we nevertheless encourage you to apply.

Closing Statement

Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.