Job Overview

The Research Assistant will support ongoing research activities in an epidemiological laboratory focused on oncogenic virus research. The individual will assist with the preparation of IRB applications, development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), data management and cleaning, and routine administrative duties. The Research Assistant will also contribute to the coordination of sample management, including inventory and organization of biospecimens stored in laboratory freezers. This position is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, highly organized, and interested in contributing to impactful public health research. 

Essential Functions

• Research Support & Compliance: Assist with drafting, submitting, and maintaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols and amendments. Support development, documentation, and maintenance of SOPs for lab and study-specific procedures. Help ensure adherence to ethical and regulatory standards in human subjects research.
• Data Management: Assist with data entry, cleaning, and quality control using Excel, REDCap, or statistical software (e.g., Stata, R, SAS). Organize and maintain accurate and up-to-date research records and databases. Generate simple reports, data summaries, and tables as needed.
• Sample & Laboratory Management: Manage inventory of samples, including assisting with labeling, logging, storage, and retrieval of biospecimens from -80°C freezers. Maintain freezer logs and track chain-of-custody for samples. Support adherence to biosafety and laboratory safety procedures.
• Administrative & Operational Support: Order laboratory and office supplies; track purchases and expenditures. Schedule and coordinate study-related meetings, interviews, and data collection activities. Assist with preparation of presentations, progress reports, and manuscripts. Serve as a liaison between the PI, study staff, institutional offices, and external collaborators.
• General Duties: Provide day-to-day administrative support to ensure smooth study operations. Attend team meetings and take notes or action items as needed. Perform other duties as assigned in support of the research team.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or a related scientific or health field.
• 1 year of relevant experience in a research or laboratory setting (can include academic experience).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Familiarity with research data management practices and ethical conduct of human subjects research.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Master’s degree (MPH, MS, or related).
• Experience working with IRB protocols or human subjects regulatory documentation.
• Familiarity with REDCap or other electronic data capture systems.
• Exposure to statistical software (e.g., Stata, R, SAS).
• Knowledge of biospecimen handling and inventory systems.
• Demonstrated interest in infectious disease, virology, cancer epidemiology, or global health research.
• Experience in academic, hospital, or public health research environments.
• Background in laboratory procedures.
• Participation in study coordination, clinical data abstraction, or regulatory documentation.
• Experience assisting with manuscript or grant preparation.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment