HS Research Assistant

HS Research Assistant

Requisition ID
req37926

Working Title
HS Research Assistant

Position Grade
06

Position Summary

The College of Pharmacy ( is seeking a resourceful, dynamic, and detail-oriented individual join its team. Since 1945, the College of Pharmacy has been educating students as the only College of Pharmacy in the state of New Mexico. The College is a supportive environment that leads to lifelong connections and success through a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, cutting-edge curriculum, and personalized mentorship. We are 5th in the U.S. in NIH funding, empowering groundbreaking research in environmental toxicology (human exposure to heavy metals and microplastics) and Substance Use Disorder, producing innovators who drive change in healthcare research. The College of Pharmacy has graduated over 3,400 students and 81% of New Mexico's pharmacist workforce is UNM College of Pharmacy alumni.

Nestled in the heart of UNM's Health Sciences Campus, it is active in advancing pharmacy practice and clinical care at the state and national level. In joining the College of Pharmacy, you will be helping to achieve its mission to develop pharmacists, educators and scientists in an inclusive environment whose leadership, dedication and innovation improve the health of our communities. Your impact can be felt for generations in improving health outcomes for New Mexico's diverse population.

The HS Research Assistant provides entry-level support to health sciences laboratory and/or field research activities while delivering professional and responsive service to researchers, study participants, and other stakeholders. Assists with routine research activities, including gathering information and materials, maintaining accurate records, supporting study procedures, and responding to questions or requests within established guidelines. Works closely with researchers and senior staff to ensure tasks are completed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with established procedures. The HS Research Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and collaborates with other members of the research team to support study activities and project goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provides courteous and professional assistance to researchers, study participants, staff, and other individuals involved in research activities.
2. Supports the collection, organization, processing, and verification of research information, samples, and/or specimens according to established procedures.
3. Assists with routine study activities, which may include participant interviews, testing, observations, surveys, and other research-related tasks.
4. Responds to routine questions and requests, provides clear information, and refers complex or specialized issues to appropriate personnel.
5. Enters, updates, and maintains accurate information in computerized systems, databases, and research records.
6. Assists with the use, setup, and routine care of research equipment, instruments, and work areas.
7. Performs basic data review and assists with organizing information for analysis or reporting.
8. Communicates effectively with team members and follows established procedures to ensure a consistent and positive experience for research participants and other customers.
9. Travels daily to research sites, including a local jail, to support data collection, participant interactions, and other study-related activities. The position requires regular on-site interaction with research participants in a correctional setting and the ability to meet all facility requirements for entry and access. Follows all applicable research protocols, regulatory and institutional requirements, departmental policies and procedures, quality and safety standards, and confidentiality requirements. Completes and maintains required research compliance training throughout employment.
10. Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive research and participant information appropriately.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned.
12. Work with and assist research team members in research activities and perform miscellaneous administrative duties as needed. Work on independent projects as discussed by the supervisor.
13. Perform online research according to project requirements.
14. Perform miscellaneous job-related and administrative duties as assigned.

Required Competencies

1. Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
2. Ability to interact professionally and courteously with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
3. Ability to listen carefully, understand questions or concerns, and provide appropriate assistance or direction.
4. Ability to follow established procedures and detailed instructions accurately.
5. Ability to learn and apply basic research protocols, processes, and terminology.

This is a Part-Time, .50 FTE, 20 hour per week Benefits Eligible Term staff position with a Term appointment that can be extended annually, but will not exceed 2-years/24-months total.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• A valid New Mexico driver's license will be required if a motor vehicle must be operated on the job.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED; no previous experience required.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to use computerized systems, databases, email, and other common technologies.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with research participants from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams, and experience with or ability to learn research data management and survey platforms such as REDCap.
• Ability to complete and maintain all required research compliance training and certifications, including human subjects research and other study-specific training, as required.

Additional Requirements

Campus
Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM

Department
COP Pharmacy Practice & Admin Scien (511A)

Employment Type
Staff

Staff Type
Term - Part-Time

Term End Date
9/30/2027

Status
Non-Exempt

Pay
Hourly: $16.88 - $21.14

Benefits Eligible
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.

ERB Statement
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required
Yes

For Best Consideration Date
9/14/2026

Eligible for Hiring Incentive
No

Eligible for Remote Work
Yes

Eligible for Remote Work Statement
This position will have a hybrid option.

Application Instructions


Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Attach Resume and Cover Letter

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit Refer to for a definition of Regular Staff.