Position Description

The Research Assistant will primarily work on developing and implementing a peer support curriculum which can be digitally delivered and scaled up in the US and India. The individual will serve as a member of the EMPOWER team and will report to the EMPOWER Program Manager.


Research Responsibilities

• To conduct a scoping review to identify peer support interventions and distill the active ingredients and key elements of the interventions
• To conduct a landscape analysis to map current training program curricula and certification requirements for peer-support workers in the US and India
• To conduct focus group discussions with key stakeholders and community partners, and qualitative data analysis
• To utilize these diverse types of evidence to design a blue-print for the curriculum
• To support submission of study protocols and study tools to the IRB for ethical review, and submit regular progress reports to the IRB
• To draft reports, publications and presentations for dissemination of project findings

Administrative Responsibilities

• Coordinate communication within and meetings with the study teams (in the US and in India), the Scientific Advisory Board, and other individuals and groups involved in EMPOWER activities
• Support the development of progress reports, content and announcements summarizing project activities for the funders, partners, the website and external audiences.
• Responsible for handling confidential materials with a high degree of professionalism and discretion
• Some work outside of scheduled hours will be required, due to event timing/working with collaborators across various time-zones (in particular with meetings with collaborators in India), prior notice will be given and agreed upon between employee and supervisor. The Research Assistant will work within a culture inclusive of individuals with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations, and appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals.

Basic Qualifications

Two years' relevant experience. Higher education may count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Master's degree in public health, psychology, or related field preferred
• Prior experience working as a peer support provider or working with peer support Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills and presentation skills required
• The ideal candidate must be well organized, able to prioritize, and manage multiple assignments simultaneously
• Competency using a variety of applications such as Adobe Pro, Microsoft Office, Outlook Calendar and the confidence to adapt/learn if not familiar with an application
• Ability to work collaboratively and with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Ability to adapt and remain flexible in a changing environment

Additional Information

This is a term appointment, with an end date of April 30, 2024, with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding.

This position is based in Boston and some in-person on-campus work will be required, and flexible/remote work is an option. Any remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA*, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process. *Note: Harvard employees working in California must be exempt.

Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety, and well-being of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to complete an attestation of having received their primary series COVID-19 vaccination prior to hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Individuals may request exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons prior to completing the hiring process. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University’s COVID-19 Information Website.

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

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Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community Values

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.