Research Assistant for NIDA-funded Study

Description

Friends Research Institute (FRI) is seeking three full-time Research Assistants to join a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)-funded study focused on improving access to medication treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) among justice-involved individuals in Maryland. This is an intensive, field-based research position ideal for individuals seeking post-baccalaureate experience in addiction science, implementation research, public health, or behavioral medicine. Research Assistants will gain experience working with Maryland county jails and pharmacies in rural regions of the state (Eastern Shore and Western Maryland) and will be responsible for activities related to participant enrollment, data collection, and follow-up at the assigned study site(s), as well as assisting with other research-related tasks as directed. This position offers exceptional preparation for training in addiction science, public health, health services research, implementation science, or related disciplines.

Essential Duties

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Participant Recruitment and Enrollment

• Recruit, screen, and enroll participants virtually and in-person at Maryland county jails.
• Explain study procedures and obtain informed consent in accordance with IRB protocols.
• Oversee random assignment of enrolled participants.

Data Collection & Management

• Conduct baseline and follow-up assessments in coordination with the project manager and staff at study sites (Maryland county jails and pharmacies).
• Ensure confidentiality of research information.
• Enter and maintain data in REDCap.
• Perform regular quality checks to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and protocol fidelity.
• Produce regular progress reports (weekly/bi-weekly).

Field Operations

• Track participants in the community and schedule follow-up appointments.
• Manage petty cash for participant incentives in accordance with study procedures.
• Conducts literature searches and produces structured and narrative reviews. 

Research Support

• Support additional research-related tasks as directed by the PIs and project manager.

Qualifications

• Must have a solid working knowledge of the research protocol and demonstrate the ability to answer questions regarding the protocol.
• Must be willing to work in jails.
• Substantial (weekly) in-state travel required (Eastern Shore and Western Maryland) to jails for screening, consenting and locating research participants in the community.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to drive to rural counties is required.
• Understanding of research data, confidentiality, and fidelity in protocol and procedures.
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, Teams), REDCap or similar data systems preferred.
• Must be willing to work with individuals with Opioid Use Disorders (OUDs).
• Must be willing to work with individuals involved in the justice system (Maryland county jails and on community supervision).

Preferred

• Experience working in correctional, behavioral health, or community-based settings.
• Experience with informed consent and human subjects research.
• Comfort working independently in field settings.

Education and/or experience

• Bachelor’s (required) in the social sciences or health related fields and or experience: relevant research experience preferred.

Friends Research Institute is an equal opportunity employer.