The Department of Community Health Sciences at the Boston University School of Public Health has a long history and national reputation of applying social and behavioral sciences to enhance the health and wellbeing of communities and promote health equity. A Research Fellow position is available within the Healthy and Empowered Youth Lab (the HEY! Lab) on the team of Dr. Kimberly Nelson, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The Research Fellow will assist the Principal Investigator (PI) with the operation of at least two studies related to sexual and mental health among adolescents and young adults (AYA).

The Youth Expectations and Standards in Sex (YESS) Study will assess the prevalence and diversity of rough sexual behaviors among AYA, explore which factors influence whether and how AYA engage in rough sex (e.g., partners, peers, media), and examine how engaging in rough sex relates to the mental and sexual health of AYA. Research Fellow work on this project will involve (1) conducting in-depth interviews with United States (US) AYA about their sexual health and sexual behaviors, (2) analyzing qualitative and quantitative data about sexual health and sexual behaviors among US AYA, and (3) supporting a Youth Advisory Board that will advise the team on the study.

The QuaranTeen Health Study focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent sexual health. Dr. Nelson and collaborators launched the longitudinal QuaranTeen Health survey in 2022 and have recruited more than 1,700 US adolescents to participate in multiannual surveys across 3.5 years. Research Fellow work on this project will involve (1) coding and analyzing qualitative data related to US AYAs experiences with the Covid-19 pandemic, including how the pandemic has impacted their sexual, mental, and physical health, (2) testing survey programming, and (3) contributing to manuscripts about study findings.

Research Fellow duties include: collecting, cleaning, entering, managing, and analyzing data (both quantitative and qualitative); assisting with development and maintenance of study protocols, forms, and assessments; assisting with coordination of Youth Advisory Board recruitment and meetings; assisting with correspondence and other materials needed for audits, and reporting to sponsor; maintaining study-related social media accounts. The Research Fellow will work with students, faculty, other Research Fellows, and a postdoctoral associate. The Research Fellow will assist the PI with literature reviews and have opportunities for authorship on academic publications and presentations.

Candidates should have an interest in public health and/or health research. Specific interest in sexual health, mental health, adolescent and young adult health, and/or sexual and gender minority health is a plus.

Candidates should have experience with: (1) behavioral research in a clinic or a public health setting (this experience can be part of educational preparation) and (2) working with adolescents. Experience with social media advertising and platforms and/or conducting in-depth interviews is a plus. Fluency in both English and Spanish is preferred.

Candidates should be: (1) highly organized and attentive to detail; (2) interpersonally skilled, warm, empathic; (3) highly efficient across a range of tasks and studies; (4) able to work effectively both independently and in a team; (5) have strong written and verbal communication skills; and (6) have strong computer skills (e.g., Word, Excel).

Candidates must have at least one of the following: -A Bachelor’s degree in public health or a related field and at least 2 years of research experience -A Master’s degree in public health or a related field

About the HEY! Lab: Drs. Kimberly Nelson and Allegra Gordon co-direct the HEY! Lab. Drs. Lynsie Ranker and Gabe Murchison are core faculty members. Members of the HEY! Lab conduct research on adolescent and young adult health, particularly sexual health, access to health care, eating disorders, body image, and substance use. You can view the HEY! Lab’s list of publications here.

To apply: Submit a CV and a letter describing your interest to Academic Jobs Online.

Boston University is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. To learn more, please visit our Equal Opportunity Office (bu.edu/eoo/).