What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Assistant position at InsideHigherEd?
If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu .
Exercise and Sport StudiesJob Description
PRIMARY FUNCTION(S) : Recruitment, screening and testing research participants in experiments on the influence of menopausal hot flashes on blood vessel function in peri- and postmenopausal women. Responsible for assisting with recruiting in accord with appropriate human subjects’ procedures. Role will include communicating with participants via phone, email, and in person about the study criteria and requirements and scheduling visits to the lab for testing. Responsible for assisting with data collection on study participants. Maintain and manage records and consent forms and ensure data is accurately recorded and secured. Responsible for coordinating student research assistants who participate in data collection, processing and organization.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
Participant Recruitment and Communications (45%) : Dissemination of the recruitment information via study flyers, posting on social media, and other places to promote visibility. Take-in of initial interest via phone calls and emails. Determining initial eligibility and providing informed consent with audio / video calls. Communication with participants about study protocols. Scheduling participants for study visits. Conducting reminder and follow-up communications.
Data Collection (40%) : Assist PI and students conduct studies in the Vascular Function Laboratory at Smith College. Data collection consists of anthropometric assessments, blood pressure and cholesterol, ambulatory physical activity and menopausal hot flash monitoring, maximal and submaximal exercise testing, blood draws for biomarkers, and vascular function testing via flow-mediated dilation and arterial stiffness measures of pulse wave velocity and pulse wave analysis.
Data Management (15%) : Manage database, consent forms, participant paperwork, and computer data. Manage data entry and security. Manage the IRB status of experimental studies. Participate in regular research team meetings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
Education / Experience : Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or Health Science-related field required, Master’s degree preferred. Training in and hands-on experience with human subjects research is required. Experience with laboratory techniques listed above is preferred. Comfort with human blood collection is preferred.
Skills : Excellent organizational, managerial and interpersonal skills needed. Excellent communication skills are required. Must have the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team and enjoy working with undergraduate students.
Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.
Review of applications will begin
January 31, 2025
Position Type : Fixed Term
About Smith College
Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu .
As set forth in our mission and values , Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.
