Hourly Research Assistants

Dr. Yitong Xin is looking to hire an hourly Research Assistant to support the research team’s growing portfolio of studies on psychedelic\-assisted therapies, substance use, and trauma\-informed care. This position will be primarily supporting a newly grant\-funded project on psychedelic research and mental health.

We welcome dedicated candidates who are genuinely interested in psychedelic clinical research and harm reduction, value hands\-on research experience, and are motivated toward their academic or professional goals.

This position is not eligible for the Graduate Tuition Benefit Program.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participant recruitment, screening, and enrollment
• Scheduling and coordinating virtual research interviews
• Conducting virtual research interviews under supervision
• Supporting informed consent procedures for remote participants
• Administering surveys via Qualtrics, REDCap, or similar platforms
• Transcript handling, de\-identification, and organization
• Data entry, cleaning, and quality checks
• Coordinating participant compensation and tracking reimbursements
• Supporting IRB submissions, amendments, and regulatory documentation
• Literature searches, article screening, and reference management for ongoing projects
• Creating research summaries, infographics, and social media content for study dissemination
• Program coordination support (e.g., maintaining study files, meeting notes, team communications)

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCYSTATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree \= 4 years of directly related work experience). Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Research Assistant, I: Requires little to no related experience.

Research Assistant, II : Requires at least 1 year of related experience.

Research Assistant, III: Requires 3\+ years of related experience.

Research Assistant, IV: Requires 5\+ years of related experience.

Preferences

• Current undergraduate, graduate, or post\-baccalaureate status, or equivalent experience
• Genuine interest in psychedelic clinical research, substance use, and/or harm reduction
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Clear and responsive written and verbal communication
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting
• Comfortable handling sensitive and confidential research materials
• Prior research experience (e.g., participant recruitment, interviews, surveys)
• Coursework or clinical experience related to substance use, trauma\-informed care, or mental health
• Familiarity with REDCap, Qualtrics, or similar survey platforms
• Experience with qualitative transcript handling or data analysis software (e.g., NVivo)
• Interest in developing research skills toward academic or clinical career goals

Special Instructions Summary

Interested applicants should include a short paragraph cover letter expressing interest in the position, along with a resume and a writing sample.

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801\) 581\-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post\-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801\) 366\-7770 or (800\) 695\-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801\) 581\-7447 if you have questions regarding the post\-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy\-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106\. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security\-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Posting Specific Questions

• ------------------------------

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (\*).

\ What is your highest level of completed education?

+ None

+ High School Diploma or Equivalent

+ Associate Degree

+ Bachelor's Degree

+ Master's Degree

+ Doctorate Degree

\ How many years of related work experience do you have?

+ Less than 2 years

+ 2 years or more, but less than 4 years

+ 4 years or more, but less than 6 years

+ 6 years or more, but less than 8 years

+ 8 years or more, but less than 10 years

+ 10 years or more, but less than 12 years

+ 12 years or more, but less than 14 years

+ 14 years or more

• Are you a current University of Utah student?

+ Yes

+ No

Applicant Documents

• -----------------------

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample 1
• List of References

Optional Documents

Open Date 04/24/2026

Requisition Number PRN16987N

Job Title Hourly Research Assistants

Working Title Hourly Research Assistants

Career Progression Track S00

Track Level

FLSA Code Nonexempt

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Type Non Benefited Staff / Student

Temporary? No

Standard Hours per Week 10

Full Time or Part Time? Part Time

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

The position will be up to 10 hours per week, May through December 2026, with renewal possible based on performance. This position is remote friendly. For applicants residing outside of Utah, additional approvals will be required before hiring can be finalized.

Is this a work study job? No

VP Area Academic Affairs

Department 01657 \- CSW TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range Up to $20\.00 per hour

Close Date 05/31/2026

Priority Review Date (Note \- Posting may close at any time)