Research Assistant

Job Description

Position: Research Assistant

Employer: Mindbridge

Location: Hybrid (Online, periodically in person as needed)

The Mindbridge Research and Evaluation Department (RED) uses neurobiological and psychological sciences to propel data-driven intervention and program design, giving human rights defenders access to the hearts and minds they need to connect to most. 

The Research Assistant will report directly to Mindbridge's Research Scientist(s) and will, at times, also work closely with Mindbridge’s Executive Director. The Research Assistant will be responsible for collecting, entering, and assisting in the analysis of data for research and evaluation studies conducted by the RED. The primary goal of these studies is to support Research Scientists in developing and conducting research that advances the work of human rights organizations, program partners, and Mindbridge collaborators. These studies aim to generate insights that inform program strategies, assess broader impact, and explore underlying causal relationships and attitudinal patterns connected to Mindbridge’s core research objectives—both within the Research and Evaluation Department (RED) and across other Mindbridge programs, such as the Mindbridge Institute. 

Applicants with backgrounds that do not necessarily fit each requirement are encouraged to apply. Applicants from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in the academic sciences are also strongly encouraged to apply.

 

Essential Functions (Core Responsibilities):

  • Gather, store, and organize data in accordance with Research and Evaluation Department protocols and standards.

  • Create spreadsheets and enter various forms of data.

  • Code open-ended data using a qualitative coding-scheme to reveal themes.

  • Contribute to the:

    • Design and refinement of surveys, interviews, and reports.

    • Analysis and report-writing of studies.

    • Writing of literature reviews, summaries, and peer-reviewed journal publications.

  • Create, proofread, and update documents such as grants, project proposals, surveys, and contracts.

  • Respond to incoming emails and correspondence.

  • Attend weekly meetings and take minutes.

  • Act as a liaison between the Research and Evaluation Program and other Mindbridge staff and departments as needed.

  • Other tasks as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • While most work will be remote in nature, the Research Assistant will be expected to attend some in person meetings in the Cumberland County area, and at times expected to attend some in-person meetings or conduct fieldwork throughout the state of Maine.

  • Must be self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize. Most work will be conducted virtually, which means that the Research Assistant will need to be able to self-direct their work.

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g., Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology) strongly encouraged.

  • Accuracy and attention to detail in working with both quantitative and qualitative data.

  • Coursework in research methods and statistics preferred.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills - grant or professional writing experience is a plus but not required.

  • Familiarity with statistical software packages (R, SPSS, Stata) and/or qualitative packages (NVivio, ATLAS.ti) preferred but not required.

  • Previous experience working with social justice, human rights, non-profit, or other related areas or organizations is useful but not required.

  • Experience using Qualtrics or other survey design software is a plus but not required.

  • Mindbridge will provide training to our Research Assistant on human rights and neuropsychology considerations as well as our research methodologies and approaches.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Hours per week: 20-25 hrs per week

  • Compensation: $25 per hour (~$26,000 per year)

  • Other benefits can be requested as needed.

To apply: Interested candidates can submit their resume or curriculum vitae (CV), and cover letter to research@mindbridgecenter.org with the subject line: 2025 Research Assistant Application. Feel free to include any samples of previous work or writing you’d like us to take note of when reviewing your application.