Paid Research Assistant

Dr. Yang Li’s research team at The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a research assistant to support the cultural adaptation of the existing SHE intervention for Native American women.

A central goal of this project is to develop trusted relationships with Native American communities and organizations. The strongest candidate will have meaningful, established involvement with Native American or Indigenous communities and be able to help our team make respectful connections, understand community priorities, and develop culturally informed recruitment and outreach strategies.

The selected applicant will work closely with Dr. Li and the project’s current research assistant, who will provide orientation to the SHE intervention, existing study materials, and the project’s current progress.

Skills and qualifications

Meaningful involvement or established relationships with Native American or Indigenous communities

Ability to help the team connect with appropriate organisations, leaders, and community partners

Interest in women’s health, intimate partner violence prevention, mental health, health equity, or community-engaged research

Strong organization, reliability, initiative, and communication skills

Willingness to learn trauma-informed and culturally responsive research practices

Ability to handle sensitive information carefully and maintain participant confidentiality

Residence in Texas, preferably in Austin or San Antonio

Undergraduate or graduate students are preferred, but student status is not required. Previous research experience is helpful but not required; training and ongoing support will be provided. Native American and Indigenous applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. No applicant will be expected to represent or speak on behalf of every Native community.

Duties and responsibilities

Identify and develop relationships with Native-serving organizations, community leaders, and potential recruitment partners

Help the research team approach communities respectfully and build trust over time

Bring cultural awareness and community-informed perspectives to intervention adaptation, recruitment, and outreach

Review intervention content and identify areas requiring cultural or contextual adaptation

Support participant recruitment and the development of culturally responsive outreach materials

Coordinate meetings and maintain project timelines, notes, contacts, and task trackers

Assist with interview preparation, scheduling, participation, and documentation

Contribute to qualitative research activities, literature reviews, and study-material development

Communicate consistently with the research team and complete approximately 5–10 hours of work each week

$20 per hour

5 - 10 hours a week