Research Assistant, YSPH

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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 be licensed to draw blood in American Samoa, 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, nursing, and/or training in biology/social sciences.

Key Responsibilities

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Study Design: Assisting in the development of data collection tools, including offering feedback on questionnaires and translation of participant-facing materials.

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Study Recruitment: Supporting recruitment efforts through social media or in person recruiting. Conducting screening and informed consent procedures with participants.

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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).

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Phlebotomy: Drawing blood during research assessments, including the placement of IV catheters for repeat blood draws.

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Data Management: Inputting, organizing, and maintaining research data in accordance with project protocols and ethical guidelines.

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Reporting: Assisting with the preparation of research reports and presentations.

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Maintenance of research equipment: Cataloging and maintaining research equipment.

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Compliance: Maintaining current training in the protection of human research subjects and ensuring that all research activities comply with institutional, legal, and ethical requirements.

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Collaboration: Working collaboratively with the research team (faculty and students) and participating in regular meetings to discuss study progress.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Licensed to practice phlebotomy in American Samoa or a registered nurse.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (Samoan and English).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Proficiency with word processing and data management software.
• Familiarity with the American Samoa health system.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

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

Principal Responsibilities

• Researches and collects data through site or home visit intakes; library research; structured interviews; or through other means for designated research assignments.
• 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.
• Processes and summarizes data using scientific or statistical techniques. Assists in data interpretation and analyses. Reports on status of research activities.
• Recruits study participants and ensures that subject recruitment and follow-up are completed per protocol procedures.
• 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.
• 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

06/05/2026

Job Category

Technician

Bargaining Unit

EXC

Compensation Grade

Labor Grade C

Compensation Grade Profile

Hourly Range

$28.43

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff Fixed Duration (Fixed Term)

Work Model

On-site

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

This role is a healthcare worker position. Healthcare workers (HCW) are defined as university employees working a healthcare setting who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients, human research subjects or infectious materials including body substance, contaminated medical supplies, devices and equipment, surfaces, or air. HCW have specific health requirements that must be met prior to starting work, including MMR vaccine or immunity, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or immunity, TB screening, COVID vaccine according to University policy, hepatitis B vaccine or immunity, and annual flu vaccination.

Posting Disclaimer

The hiring rate of a role is determined in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective collective bargaining agreement.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.