RESEARCH ASSISTANT Counseling Psychology Human Development

Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development is a top-ranked college that focuses on cross-disciplinary research, experiential learning, and community engagement. We seek to empower our students, faculty, and staff to reshape the systems that impact learning and human development, more firmly centering them in justice, diversity, and belonging. To learn more about our college, visit

BU Wheelock is one of the 17 schools and colleges that are part of Boston University, one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world today. With more than 37,000 students from all 50 states and 145+ countries, BU is among the largest independent universities in the United States. To learn more about Boston University, visit

About the Role

The Research Assistant provides basic administrative and operational support for ongoing research studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and pilot projects. Responsibilities focus on task execution rather than project ownership, including assisting with participant coordination, data entry, and preparation of study materials. The role follows established protocols and works under close supervision of a Principal Investigator or senior research staff. This position does not include independent project management or formal supervisory responsibilities and supports broader research activities within the department.

__

Position Logistics

This is a part-time, 20 hours per week position. A Boston-based hybrid work arrangement is preferred; however, the role may be fully remote for the right candidate. Occasional evening hours may be required to assist with participant scheduling across availability windows. Travel is not required.

This is a one-year, term-limited position with the possibility of extension based on performance, ongoing institutional need, and available funding.

Essential Functions

Essential Function 1 (30%)
Provide administrative support for research studies, including scheduling participant visits, sending reminders, and assisting with routine study coordination tasks under supervision.

Essential Function 2 (20%)
Assist with participant recruitment activities by distributing study materials, responding to inquiries using templates, and supporting eligibility screening procedures.

Essential Function 3 (15%)
Support preparation of study materials, including formatting surveys in Qualtrics, preparing recruitment messages, and organizing documentation.

Essential Function 4 (15%)
Perform data entry and basic data maintenance tasks, ensuring accuracy and completeness under established guidelines.

Essential Function 5 (10%)
Assist with IRB documentation by compiling materials and supporting submission processes as directed.

Essential Function 6 (10%)
Maintain organized shared folders and tracking systems; provide general support to research team members as needed.

__

Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, public health, social sciences, or a related field.
• 0–1 year of experience in a research or administrative setting (internships acceptable)

· Required skills:

o Basic organizational and time management skills

o Familiarity with standard office and survey tools (e.g., Excel, Qualtrics)

o Clear written and verbal communication

· Required knowledge:

o General understanding of research environments

o Basic data entry and record-keeping practices

o Awareness of confidentiality principles

· Required abilities:

o Ability to follow detailed instructions and established protocols

o Ability to manage routine tasks with consistency

o Ability to work collaboratively within a structured team environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior internship or coursework related to research methods
• Experience with participant-facing roles (e.g., customer service, volunteer work)

Work Modality: Fully Remote

__

Compensation: The annual salary range for this part-time, 50% FTE position is $22,500–$24,000, prorated from a full-time equivalent range of $45,000–$48,000. **** This range is based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and the overall scope of the role. Please note that the final salary offered may vary depending on these factors.

Confidential Data: All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters while working at Boston University is considered confidential. Employees must adhere to University and departmental policies, guidelines and procedures; and all applicable laws and regulations at all times.

Additional Requirements : Not applicable.

__

_We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. _

Required Experience

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, public health, social sciences, or a related field.
• 0–1 year of experience in a research or administrative setting (internships acceptable)

· Required skills:

o Basic organizational and time management skills

o Familiarity with standard office and survey tools (e.g., Excel, Qualtrics)

o Clear written and verbal communication

· Required knowledge:

o General understanding of research environments

o Basic data entry and record-keeping practices

o Awareness of confidentiality principles

· Required abilities:

o Ability to follow detailed instructions and established protocols

o Ability to manage routine tasks with consistency

o Ability to work collaboratively within a structured team environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior internship or coursework related to research methods
• Experience with participant-facing roles (e.g., customer service, volunteer work)

Work Modality: Fully Remote

__

Compensation: The annual salary range for this part-time, 50% FTE position is $22,500–$24,000, prorated from a full-time equivalent range of $45,000–$48,000. **** This range is based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and the overall scope of the role. Please note that the final salary offered may vary depending on these factors.

Confidential Data: All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters while working at Boston University is considered confidential. Employees must adhere to University and departmental policies, guidelines and procedures; and all applicable laws and regulations at all times.

Additional Requirements : Not applicable.

__

_We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. _