Department: Prevention Science Institute
Rank: Research Assistant
Annual Basis: 12 Month
Review of Applications Begins
Applications will be reviewed as needs arise
Special Instructions to Applicants
In addition to a completed online application, including names and contact information for three professional references, please upload a current resume and cover letter. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. Screening of applications will occur as positions become available and continue until positions are filled.
Department Summary
The Prevention Science Institute at the University of Oregon is a multidisciplinary research institute focused on improving the lives of children, families, and adults through science, outreach, and program delivery. The PSI includes faculty from across the University of Oregon who work together to understand prevention and health promotion through translational science and applied intervention research.
We conduct research from multiple perspectives, including translational research that focuses on interactions between the brain, social context, and behavior; developing, testing, and delivering effective intervention programs; and efficacious ways to disseminate programs into community, agency, and school settings.
Position Summary
The Prevention Science Institute (PSI) at the University of Oregon is seeking qualified applicants for its open research pool. Positions are limited duration appointments potentially renewable for up to a total of three years. In limited circumstances, there is the possibility of renewal beyond three years based on programmatic need, funding, and performance. Appointments may be as a research assistant, conducting research under the direction of a principal investigator, or as a research associate, conducting research with only general guidance.
Research assistant/associate opportunities frequently arise in the PSI. These positions are primarily funded by federal grants with research aims related to understanding human development, preventing behavioral health problems, and implementing effective interventions in community settings. Candidates with professional or academic interests in any of these areas are encouraged to apply; applicants will be screened as needs arise. Successful candidates will have professional experience and a commitment to working effectively with research participants and staff from diverse backgrounds. Candidates with fluency in Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.
Examples of the types of positions that arise include:
• Interviewer/Assessors who work with families and children to gather complete and accurate data through standardized personal interviews, questionnaires, standardized tests, semi-structured interviews, parent-child interaction tasks, child and adult diagnostic interviews and video recorded observations;
• Data Managers who oversee the tracking, cleaning, formatting and compiling of computerized datasets;
• Records Coordinators who locate and coordinate the collection of data from community partners (such as local school districts, child welfare agencies or the local youth authority and/or adult courts) and obtain and track signed consent forms.
• Recruiters who contact potential participants to screen and invite them to participate in active research projects.
Due to the broad nature of the available research positions, please indicate if you have experience with any of the following: standardized assessments, standardized surveys & interviews, behavioral coding, working with families and children, working with high-risk families, working with foster families, working with children with special needs, experience with home interviews, and experience with neurobiological methods (e.g, cortisol, genetic data, RSA & PEP, high density EEG/ERP, blood draws, fMRI).
Minimum Requirements
Research Assistant ranks:
• RESEARCH ASSISTANT (TYPE A): Positions that require skills and/or experience relevant to the duties of the position and do not have a minimum degree requirement.
• RESEARCH ASSISTANT (TYPE B): Positions that require a bachelor’s or equivalent degree. In rare occasions, positions in specialized fields may allow for a combination of education and equivalent experience prior to the time of hire to satisfy the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• RESEARCH ASSISTANT (TYPE C): Positions that require a master’s or equivalent degree. In rare occasions, positions in highly specialized fields may allow for a combination of education and exceptional equivalent experience prior to the time of hire to satisfy the master’s degree requirement.
*Ranks for each research assistant type in ascending order are research assistant, senior research assistant I, and senior research assistant II.
Research Associate rank:
• Terminal degree
Senior Research Associate I rank:
• Terminal degree plus 6 years of applicable work experience post-degree
Senior Research Associate II rank:
• Terminal degree plus 12 years of applicable work experience post-degree
Professional Competencies
• Knowledge of spoken and written English sufficient to obtain, provide, or exchange information. This position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a specific capacity for sensitivity, confidentiality, diligence, and persistence with regard to engaging and retaining subjects in the study. Applicant must also have familiarity with customer service phone techniques and the ability to enthusiastically and confidently relate project information.
• Highly efficient and organized approach to work and strong attention to detail and thoroughness.
• Ability to manage multiple scheduling issues and possess exceptional time management skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment, requiring participatory decision-making and cooperative interactions among employees.
• Ability to learn quickly and work independently, with supervision as needed.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with adults, adolescents, and children from diverse backgrounds.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with standardized assessments.
• Experience with standardized surveys & interviews.
• Experience with behavioral coding.
• Experience working with children and families.
• Experience working with high-risk families.
• Experience working with foster families.
• Experience working with children with special needs.
• Experience with home interviews.
• Experience with neurobiological methods (i.e.,cortisol genetic data, RSA & PEP, high density EEG/ERP, blood draws, fMRI, etc.).
• Fluency in Spanish.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.
The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.
In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report.
