The Research Assistant will support an NIH-funded research study on the impact of psychosocial stress and cardiorespiratory fitness on brain health and mental health in Black emerging adult college/university students. The role is primarily focused on the organization, processing, and analysis of research data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and readiness for downstream use. Responsibilities include managing and cleaning datasets; performing data entry, validation, and quality checks; maintaining research databases and data repositories; and preparing data for submission to external archives. In addition, the role supports data collection activities, including cardiorespiratory fitness testing, actigraphy data collection and processing, and structured interviews on mental health, trauma history, and perceived discrimination, as well as conducting informed consent and screening. The position also includes providing technical support through equipment maintenance and assisting with outreach and community engagement activities, as needed. The role may also include providing guidance to undergraduate or trainee staff on routine tasks and contributing to the refinement of data processing procedures and protocols in collaboration with the study team. This individual will work closely with the postdoctoral fellow and study team to support day-to-day research activities and ensure high-quality data management and analysis. A background in public health, neuroscience, kinesiology, or related fields is preferred but not required.
Bachelor's and 1-3 years of work experience.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Boston University is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world today, with two primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the world. As a Boston University employee you will be part of a dynamic community where every individual is valued. You'll reap the rewards of being on a college campus, such as direct access to the heart of the education and research community and a myriad of opportunities to help create a positive impact on our students' educational experiences. Education thrives in Boston, and working here – at one of the largest employers in the city – will give you the opportunity to contribute to our mission and work with some of the most experienced educators and staff in the nation.