Research Assistant 2, HSS

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Overview

The Spudich Lab's Neuroinfectious Disease (Neuro-ID) Translational Research Program aims to enhance our understanding of the neurobehavioral and neuropathogenic mechanisms in people living with HIV and other infectious diseases that impact the central nervous system. We collect clinical data and biological specimens from participants enrolled in local research studies and employ a variety of cutting-edge immunologic, molecular, and neuroimaging technologies to investigate the neurological complications of infectious diseases. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and respectful research team dedicated to advancing science and supporting the communities we serve with integrity and care.
 

The Research Assistant II position will support the Neuro-ID clinical research, laboratory, and repository operations on a rotating basis under the guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI) and senior staff. This hybrid role serves as a critical bridge between the clinical research and laboratory teams supporting specific basic and translational science research efforts by carrying out defined laboratory tasks and patient interaction. Follows specific protocols to achieve research goals and objectives; acquires, collects, inputs, and reports research data; and provides general laboratory and biospecimen maintenance for safety, operations, and security. Perform additional duties incidental to the overall objectives of the Neuro-ID Research Program. Thorough cross training and orientation will be provided upon hiring. These studies are anticipated to extend over several years.
 

Principal Responsibilities:

Research and collect data through IRB-approved human subjects research study protocols visit procedures, established laboratory specimen processing and biological assay protocols, structured assessments and neuropsychological testing, library research or through other means for Neuro ID research projects.

Maintain respect, confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism when working with diverse populations, including individuals living with HIV infection and/or other neuroinfectious diseases.

Adhere to Yale University, Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) and federal regulations governing human subjects research, IRB-approved human subjects protocols, and institutional biosafety and infection control policies. Ensure study and laboratory protocols remain current and compliant with Yale regulations.

Assist with screening and EPIC Medical chart review for admission of study subjects based on specific criteria according to established protocols.

Assist with scheduling and coordinating study visits, including pre-visit preparations following a detailed checklist and subject registration in OnCore.

Participate in all study visit activities, including obtaining informed consent, collecting and entering study data, escorting participants to Yale School of Medicine research centers for study procedures, such as MRI and PET imaging, and conducting neuropsychological testing. Occasional hospital inpatient recruitment is required.

Ensure all follow-up procedures are completed according to the protocols.

Work independently to enter, review, and maintain study and biospecimen data in REDCap and other research databases.

Process blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens according to established protocols.

Perform specimen aliquoting, labeling, cryopreservation, storage, inventory reconciliation, and preparation of specimens for downstream testing and shipment. 

Perform and troubleshoot laboratory assays under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and senior staff and assist with data analysis and interpretation.

Coordinate and prepare domestic and international specimen shipments using Yale E-Ship Global to ensure compliance with FAA, IATA, and DOT regulations.

Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, documentation, and compliance with Yale Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), biosafety, and laboratory quality standards.

Oversee and train research staff, fellows, and students in laboratory safety, specimen processing techniques, equipment operation, and laboratory procedures.

Report on status of research activities.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrated experience conducting research in Neurology and Infectious Disease departments. Demonstrated experience with Epic, Redcap and Oncore.

2. Demonstrated experience obtaining informed consent. Proven experience analyzing MRI and Pet Imaging frames.

3. Ability to work effectively, efficiently, and independently under pressure, prioritize multiple competing tasks, and perform with limited supervision. Ability to work successfully as a team member, at various levels of organizational responsibility for different projects.

4. Superb organizational ability to sustain a robust level of research activity with professional judgment, independence, and accountability; highly self-motivated, independent, consistent, and reliable. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

5. Openness to diverse clinical populations with a major emphasis on respect and discretion for individuals with alternate lifestyles and/or living with HIV infection.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Researches and collects data through site or home visit intakes; library research; structured interviews; or through other means for research projects. 2. Interprets, synthesizes, and analyzes data using scientific or statistical techniques. Modifies and plans research experiments, procedures, tests, or survey instruments. Assists in research design. 3. Writes and edits material for publication and presentation. Reports on status of research activities. Oversees and instructs research and support staff on technical procedures, equipment operation, and laboratory maintenance. 4. Schedules and coordinates research activities. Identifies and recruits study participants. Orders and maintains inventory of supplies. 5. May assist in preparing financial information and monitoring budgets. 6. Performs additional functions incidental to research activities. Required Education and Experience Two years of related work experience in the same job family and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Job Posting Date

08/21/2026

Job Category

Technician

Bargaining Unit

L34

Compensation Grade

Labor Grade D

Compensation Grade Profile

Hourly Range

$31.83

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff

Work Model

On-site

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

This role is a healthcare worker position. Healthcare workers (HCW) are defined as university employees working a healthcare setting who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients, human research subjects or infectious materials including body substance, contaminated medical supplies, devices and equipment, surfaces, or air.  HCW have specific health requirements that must be met prior to starting work, including MMR vaccine or immunity, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or immunity, TB screening, COVID vaccine according to University policy, hepatitis B vaccine or immunity, and annual flu vaccination.

Posting Disclaimer

The hiring rate of a role is determined in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective collective bargaining agreement.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.