Pro Tem Research Assist/Assoc

Department: Prevention Science Institute
Rank: Research Assistant, Research Associate, Senior Research Associate
Annual Basis: 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins

Applications will be reviewed as needs arise

Special Instructions to Applicants

In addition to a completed online application, including names and contact information for three professional references, please upload a current resume. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. Screening of applications will occur as positions become available and continue until positions are filled.

Department Summary

The Prevention Science Institute (PSI) is a multi-disciplinary institute focused on understanding human development, preventing behavioral health problems, and implementing effective interventions in community settings. The PSI encompasses focus areas consistent with the field of prevention science, including prevention and intervention, and implementation science. Understanding effective intervention strategies and the outcomes associated with these interventions across multiple domains of functioning, including biological, social, and contextual, is the focus of research at the PSI.

The core mission of the PSI is to improve the lives and well-being of children, individuals, and families throughout the lifespan. The PSI is committed to research that expands our understanding of interventions and development with diverse populations, and actively seeks to promote research that reduces health disparities in service utilization.

Position Summary

The Prevention Science Institute (PSI) at the University of Oregon is seeking qualified applicants for its open research pool. Positions are limited duration appointments potentially renewable for up to a total of three years. In limited circumstances, there is the possibility of renewal beyond three years based on programmatic need, funding, and performance. Appointments may be as a research assistant, conducting research under the direction of a principal investigator, or as a research associate, conducting research with only general guidance.

Research assistant/associate opportunities frequently arise in the PSI. These positions are primarily funded by federal grants with research aims related to understanding human development, preventing behavioral health problems, and implementing effective interventions in community settings. Candidates with professional or academic interests in any of these areas are encouraged to apply; applicants will be screened as needs arise. Successful candidates will have professional experience and a commitment to working effectively with research participants and staff from diverse backgrounds. Candidates with fluency in Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.

Examples of the types of positions that arise include:

• Interviewer/Assessors who work with families and children to gather complete and accurate data through standardized personal interviews, questionnaires, standardized tests, semi-structured interviews, parent-child interaction tasks, child and adult diagnostic interviews and video recorded observations;

• Data Managers who oversee the tracking, cleaning, formatting and compiling of computerized datasets;

• Records Coordinators who locate and coordinate the collection of data from community partners (such as local school districts, child welfare agencies or the local youth authority and/or adult courts) and obtain and track signed consent forms;

• Recruiters who contact potential participants to screen and invite them to participate in active research projects.

Due to the broad nature of the available research positions, please indicate if you have experience with any of the following: standardized assessments, standardized surveys & interviews, behavioral coding, working with families and children, working with high-risk families, working with foster families, working with children with special needs, experience with home interviews, and experience with neurobiological methods (e.g, cortisol, genetic data, RSA & PEP, high density EEG/ERP, blood draws, fMRI).

Minimum Requirements

Research Assistant ranks:

• RESEARCH ASSISTANT (TYPE A): Positions that require skills and/or experience relevant to the duties of the position but do not have a minimum degree requirement.

• RESEARCH ASSISTANT (TYPE B): Positions that require a bachelor's or equivalent degree. In rare occasions, positions in specialized fields may allow for a combination of education and equivalent experience prior to the time of hire to satisfy the bachelor's degree requirement.

• RESEARCH ASSISTANT (TYPE C): Positions that require a master's or equivalent degree. In rare occasions, positions in highly specialized fields may allow for a combination of education and exceptional equivalent experience prior to the time of hire to satisfy the master's degree requirement.

*Ranks for each research assistant type in ascending order are research assistant, senior research assistant I, and senior research assistant II.

Research Associate rank:

• Terminal degree.

Senior Research Associate I rank:

• Terminal degree plus 6 years of applicable work experience post-degree.

Senior Research Associate II rank:

• Terminal degree plus 12 years of applicable work experience post-degree.

Professional Competencies

• Knowledge of spoken and written English sufficient to obtain, provide, or exchange information.

• This position requires excellent communication skills, with a specific capacity for sensitivity, confidentiality, diligence, and persistence with regard to engaging and retaining subjects in the study.

• Customer service skills and the ability to effectively relate project information.

• Highly efficient and organized approach to work and strong attention to detail and thoroughness.

• Exceptional time management skills and ability to manage multiple scheduling issues.

• Ability to work in a collaborative and cooperative team environment.

• Ability to learn quickly and work independently, with supervision as needed.

• Ability to multi-task.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with adults, adolescents, and children from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with standardized assessments, surveys & interviews.

• Experience with behavioral coding.

• Experience working with children and families.

• Experience working with high-risk families.

• Experience working with foster families.

• Experience working with children with special needs.

• Experience with home interviews.

• Experience with neurobiological methods (i.e., cortisol genetic data, RSA & PEP, high density EEG/ERP, blood draws, fMRI, etc.).

• Fluency in Spanish.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at or

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