Research Associate

356 7th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

The Research Associate (RA) for the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s (SFDPH) STI/HIV Prevention and Control Branch is a role within the San Francisco City Clinic (SFCC) Research Team. The SFCC Research Team coordinates studies investigating treatments, diagnostic testing, and prevention tools for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV.

Under direct supervision of the Clinical Research Coordinator at SFCC and with guidance from the Principal Investigator, the RA will be assigned responsibilities integral to the day‑to‑day conduct of research studies, including recruitment of study participants, informed consent, carrying out study procedures per protocol, retention, documentation on electronic and paper case report forms, and quality control. Current studies include DoxyIMPACT – an observational cohort study of individuals using doxycycline post‑exposure prophylaxis (doxyPEP) for STI prevention – and INCLUSION – a demonstration project evaluating real‑world implementation of long‑acting injectable HIV pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

This role requires an applicant who is highly detail‑oriented, organized, completes tasks efficiently and with high quality, and has excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to initiate and follow through on projects. The ideal candidate works well independently, has good judgement, readily asks for input when needed, and can handle multiple projects simultaneously with a keen awareness of priorities.

This is a temporary, grant‑funded, full‑time, benefitted position. Employment is provided by Heluna Health. Pay Range: $31.25–$34.45

Interested individuals must submit a cover letter and resume for consideration. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Consent and enroll new study participants
• Recruit study participants and perform eligibility screening
• Establish and organize study files, including regulatory binders, study‑specific source documentation, and other materials
• Learn essentials of human subjects protections and good clinical practices for research studies; maintain excellent data collection practices and quality of data in both written and electronic formats
• Perform regular quality control of all study documents
• Assist clinic staff in facilitating collection, processing, storage, and shipment of specimens
• Handle and protect confidential and sensitive data with integrity
• Maintain effective and ongoing communication with research participants, the Clinical Research Coordinator, and the Principal Investigator
• Update any necessary regulatory documentation
• Meet regularly with Clinical Research Coordinator to review activity, discuss study‑related issues, and participate in both Research Team meetings and individual supervision meetings with the Clinical Research Coordinator
• Provide basic STI and HIV information to clients; refer patients to appropriate medical and social services
• Provide negative STI or HIV rapid test results to patients
• Adhere closely to clinic’s clinical, privacy, and occupational safety/PPE protocols

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participate in meetings
• Assist in writing and maintaining study protocols and operational manuals

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, set priorities, and take responsibility for assignments with deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, and gender identities in a multicultural environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in the use of Microsoft Office Suite software, including Word, Excel, and Access
• Ability to communicate study information to participants in a clear and accessible manner
• Ability to handle a variety of tasks with a high degree of accuracy
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and apply good judgment
• Ability to understand overall project goals, accommodate rapid changes to circumstances, and quickly identify processes or events that are contributing to or hindering success

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Background knowledge of STI and HIV pathogenesis, transmission, prevention and treatment; knowledge of STI and HIV medical terminology
• Fluency in Spanish (able to consent participants in Spanish)

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Possession of a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• One year of experience working on research studies, conducting patient interviews, or otherwise interacting routinely with persons seeking healthcare services (e.g., HIV test counseling)

OTHER SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Interviewing skills
• Comfortable discussing sexual behavior and HIV transmission risks
• Demonstrates tact and respect when discussing sensitive information
• Attention to detail; strong interpersonal skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with subjects, team members, other departments, and outside institutions
• Ability to remain organized while working in a clinical environment that requires switching between tasks and attending to time‑sensitive needs
• Passionate about health justice and working in a low‑barrier healthcare setting
• Proven ability to collaborate with people of different professional levels

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand Frequently
• Walk Frequently
• Sit Frequently
• Handling / Fingering Frequently
• Reach Outward Frequently
• Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally
• Lift / Carry Occasionally – Up to 25 lbs
• Push/Pull Occasionally – Up to 25 lbs
• See Constantly
• Taste / Smell Not Applicable

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.