Research Assistant, YSPH

Working at Yale means contributing to a better tomorrow. Whether you are a current resident of our New Haven-based community, eligible for opportunities through the New Haven Hiring Initiative, or a newcomer, interested in exploring all that Yale has to offer, your talents and contributions are welcome. Discover your opportunities at Yale!

Overview

The Research Assistant will support the OLaGA Research Team in conducting research activities related to the prevention and treatment of obesity-related disease among the American Samoan population. The research assistant’s primary assignment will be to support a research study on gestational diabetes among pregnant women although they will be expected to assist with other ongoing projects at the center as needed. The role will involve assisting with data collection and maintaining documentation. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, excellent attention to detail, speak both Samoan and English fluently, and have outstanding communication skills. Candidates should have some knowledge of public health and/or training in biology/social sciences.

Key Responsibilities

• Study Design: Assisting in the development of data collection tools, including offering feedback on questionnaires and translation of participant-facing materials.
• Study Recruitment: Supporting recruitment efforts through social media or in person recruiting. Conducting screening and informed consent procedures with participants.
• Data Collection: Scheduling and communicating with participants about study activities, preparing research materials, administering surveys and collecting physical measurements. This role will include handling and processing biospecimens (saliva, blood; training will be provided).
• Data Management:Inputting, organizing, and maintaining research data in accordance with project protocols and ethical guidelines.
• Reporting: Assisting with the preparation of research reports and presentations.
• Maintenance of research equipment: Cataloging and maintaining research equipment.
• Compliance: Maintaining current training in the protection of human research subjects and ensuring that all research activities comply with institutional, legal, and ethical requirements.
• Collaboration: Working collaboratively with the research team (faculty and students) and participating in regular meetings to discuss study progress.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Strong verbal and written communication skills (Samoan and English).

2. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

3. Proficiency with word processing and data management software.

4. Familiarity with the American Samoa health system.

5. Strong organizational and multitasking skills.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Prior experience as a research assistant or in a related research role.

2. Associates degree or higher in a relevant field (public health, biology, social sciences, epidemiology) or equivalent experience in a research setting.

Principal Responsibilities

1.  Researches and collects data through site or home visit intakes; library research; structured interviews; or through other means for designated research assignments. 2.  Records and compiles information related to research data. Codes data accordingly to research specifications. Uses a computer terminal to input and retrieve data and to generate reports. 3.  Processes and summarizes data using scientific or statistical techniques. Assists in data interpretation and analyses. Reports on status of research activities. 4.  Recruits study participants and ensures that subject recruitment and follow-up are completed per protocol procedures. 5.  Orders and maintains inventory of supplies. May assist in designing, developing, and modifying research experiments, procedures, or survey instruments. May assist research and support staff. 6.  Performs additional functions incidental to research activities. Required Education and Experience Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate’s degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor’s degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Job Posting Date

10/12/2026

Job Category

Technician

Bargaining Unit

EXC

Compensation Grade

Labor Grade C

…