Position Introduction:

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center is Oklahoma's only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center, and one of only 74 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers in the United States. This highly competitive accreditation reflects excellence in cancer research and clinical care and helps ensure that patients and communities have access to advanced cancer treatment options, prevention research, and community-focused cancer programs.

Launch your research career. Make an impact on health behavior and cancer prevention.

The Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC) at Stephenson Cancer Center is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Staff Research Assistant to support multiple ongoing research studies focused on health behavior change, cancer prevention, and cancer screening. This entry-level position is ideal for individuals interested in public health, behavioral science, psychology, health equity, or clinical research and offers meaningful hands-on experience with federally funded and pilot randomized controlled trials.

THIS IS NOT A BIOMEDICAL OR BENCH SCIENCE POSITION.

This role is focused on participant engagement, recruitment and screening, data collection, participant follow-up, study documentation, and day-to-day research operations.

If you are passionate about improving health outcomes, enjoy working with people, and want to build experience in community-engaged health research, this position provides a strong foundation for a future career in research, public health, graduate school, or professional training.

Why This Role Matters

HPRC's research directly addresses behaviors that significantly impact cancer risk and overall health, including tobacco use, cancer screening, and other health behaviors. As a Staff Research Assistant, you will help support participant-facing research activities, collect high-quality data, and contribute to studies that inform real-world health interventions and promote health equity.

What You'll Do

Research & Participant Engagement

• Serve as a first point of contact for research participants at HPRC.
• Complete or assist with participant intake appointments and eligibility screening.
• Support participant enrollment, scheduling, follow-up, and retention activities.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and compassionately with participants throughout the research process.
• Help connect participants with approved study resources and community resources when appropriate.

Data Collection & Management

• Collect research data using standardized protocols and study-specific procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and confidential research files.
• Assist with data entry, data cleaning, participant tracking, and basic data summaries.
• Support data integrity and adherence to approved study procedures

Reporting & Research Support

• Assist with preparation of reports, research summaries, and study updates.
• Support multiple ongoing studies, including R01-funded and pilot randomized controlled trials.
• Contribute to research activities focused on health behavior change, such as:
  • Smoking cessation
  • Cancer screening education
  • Home-based cancer screening test kits
  • Digital health tools and participant engagement

Professional Growth & Scholarship

• Collaborate closely with investigators, coordinators, research staff, and community partners.
• Gain exposure to study design, implementation, and analysis.
• Build skills in participant engagement, clinical trial operations, data collection, and research documentation.
• Opportunities may be available to contribute to research publications and presentations, depending on project needs and level of involvement.

Why Join HPRC & Stephenson Cancer Center?

• Be part of Oklahoma's only NCI-Designated Cancer Center.
• Work on meaningful, federally funded behavioral health and cancer prevention research.
• Gain hands-on research experience that can support graduate school, professional school, or future research career pathways.
• Learn from experienced investigators and multidisciplinary research teams.
• Contribute to research that helps prevent cancer, improve population health, and promote health equity.

Ready to contribute to research that changes lives - and build your research skillset along the way? Apply today and begin your journey in behavioral health research with the Health Promotion Research Center at Stephenson Cancer Center.

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Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Biology, Psychology, Engineering, Computer Science, Sociology, or a related discipline aligned with the specific area of research or project focus)
• 1 year of experience supporting research or working in a laboratory setting

Equivalency/Substitution: Experience or a combination of education & related experience can be considered in lieu of degree. A one-to-one ratio is used to determine the number of years of experience required in place of a degree. 

Required Certifications and Licenses:

None.

Department Preferences:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, or another health-related field.
• Interest in learning basic data management, data summaries, and research reporting.
• Interest in research methods, clinical trial procedures, participant recruitment, and IRB-guided research.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, professionalism, and comfort communicating with research participants.
• Experience with REDCap, Microsoft Office, or similar data/documentation systems is preferred but not required.