Research Associate, Clinical Research, Research Assistant​/Associate

Job Description

Research Associate I (2026-12)

PIRE is a nonprofit organization that conducts applied science research in health and social issues. We partner with the University of Kentucky on the Appalachian Tobacco Regulatory Science Team (Appal

TRuST) to collect longitudinal data on tobacco use and marketing in Appalachian Kentucky.

We are hiring a research associate who will enroll study participants and conduct research activities for Appal

TRuST. The role requires travel 2–3 days per week, including some evenings and weekends. It is a 60–100% FTE, benefit-eligible position with hourly pay $21.50–$26.45 based on experience.

• Engage with community organizations and residents to inform them of the study (phone, text, online, in‑person)
• Recruit, consent, and enroll participants
• Collect baseline and six‑month follow‑up data from participants
• Travel to assigned locations within the designated county each week to recruit participants and collect data (2–3 days per week, occasional evenings and weekends)
• Conduct store audits
• Deliver research materials to participants

• Implement research activities, including recruitment and data collection for AppalTRuST
• Follow research protocols closely and conduct ongoing quality assurance
• Track survey completion, participant incentives, and response rates
• Accurately collect data with a high level of detail in natural settings (e.g., at tobacco retailers) using established data collection protocols
• Engage and educate diverse community leaders, partners, and decision makers on the Appal
  
  TRuST project
• Manage project work to meet established deadlines and deliverables
• Maintain project files and data on shared drives (SharePoint and Microsoft Teams)
• Work closely with project leadership and team members across the state to ensure data collection is on schedule, that research protocols are being maintained, and continuous quality improvement occurs
• Recruit, engage, and collect data from individuals of all ages across the community

Bachelor’s degree.

Research.

• Bachelor’s degree and 1–2 years of experience, or 5 or more years of related work experience
• Excellent communication skills (phone, writing, and verbal)
• Excellent organizational skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience living in or near the study counties:
  Perry, Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Boyd, Greenup, Carter
• Valid driver’s license, reliable personal transportation, and current automobile insurance (mileage reimbursed)

• Residency in one of the study counties (Perry, Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Boyd, Greenup, or Carter)
• Previous research experience and field data collection
• Previous or current involvement in community organizing/engagement

• 3.5–7 weeks of accrued PTO during the first year
• Company‑provided Retirement Plan
• Company‑provided Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment of $100 k
• Company‑provided Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

PIRE is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to the promotion and acceptance of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, gender, physical ability, or veteran status. We are committed to employing individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

PIRE will provide reasonable accommodations with the application process upon request to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require assistance, please contact Human Resources by email at hr.

Based in one of the eight counties listed above, formally part of PIRE’s Kentucky Center.