Research Associate

Heluna Health invites applications for the position of Research Associate in the Center on Substance Use and Health (CSUH) of Population Health Division of the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

This is a temporary, in-person, full time, grant funded, benefitted position with non-standard work hours (may require work during evening hours).
Employment is provided by Heluna Health.

Pay Range: $31.25-$34.45 per hour

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Research Associate will be responsible for a wide variety of duties and projects related to behavioral and pharmacologic studies in the fields of HIV prevention and substance use.

The research associate will primarily work on the RENEW study. This study is a phase 2, randomized control trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of a GLP-1/GIP in addition to buprenorphine as a possible new treatment to help people reduce or stop using opioids. Participants will be assigned to receive placebo or one of 3 doses of the medication over 24 weeks, then assigned to an open-label extension for about a year.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Support the investigators of this close-knit research team in the conduct of research protocols within the guidelines of Good Clinical Practice.
• Responsible for screening potential participants over the phone or in-office, obtaining informed consent.
• Proactively manage participant schedules and retain participants through phone calls, emails/texts, and in-person follow-ups over the course of the study.
• Conduct study visits with participants following the procedures of the study protocol.
• Under the guidance of the study clinicians, conduct laboratory activities, which may include urine drug testing, rapid HIV and HCV testing, phlebotomy, blood processing, and sending blood and urine samples for laboratory tests.
• May provide HIV/STI risk reduction counseling, overdose prevention, or medication management counseling using a manualized cognitive behavioral model and the principles of harm reduction.
• Other administrative tasks including accurately completing case report forms, setting participants up with surveys, performing quality assurance checks of study documents, entering study data into REDCap or Excel databases, etc.
• Assist with other unit studies as needed, including conducting in-depth interviews and surveys.
• Support the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in close collaboration with Program Manager.
• Other duties as assigned, including coverage for other staff and discrete projects related to ongoing studies within CSUH.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
• BA/BS in related field, or a combination of relevant experience and education
• Interest and ability to learn a wide array of techniques and technologies and to cross-train to support the duties of other staff members
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to diverse communities, particularly communities of color, gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender community, and substance using populations
• Excellent writing and interpersonal communication skills
• High level of attention to detail and ability to handle a variety of tasks with a high degree of accuracy

Desired Qualifications
• Advanced degree in health/mental health or related field
• Certified phlebotomist
• Certified HIV test counselor
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access
• Experience with clinical trials research and/or healthcare settings
• Counseling experience with substance users and/or counseling experience in reducing the risk of HIV acquisition or transmission
• Experience working with challenging participants, or participants with multiple diagnoses
• Knowledge of regulations, policies and procedures related to the protection of human subjects and confidentiality
• Any other knowledge and skills useful to this research group is considered a plus (software skills, presentation experience, database knowledge, basic website maintenance, etc.)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Stand Frequently
Walk Frequently
Sit Frequently
Handling / Fingering Occasionally
Reach outwardly Occasionally Reach above shoulder Occasionally Climb, crawl, kneel, bend Occasionally
Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
See Constantly
Taste/ Smell Not Applicable
Not Applicable Not required for essential functions
Occasionally (0 - 2 hrs/day)
Frequently (2 - 5 hrs/day)
Constantly (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT
General Office Setting, Indoors Temperature Controlled

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.


All qualified applicants will be considered for this position in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

EEOC STATEMENT
It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.