Research Clerical Support Assistant

Position Overview

Position Title: Research Clerical Support Assistant

Department: Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research

Location: Rutgers University – New Brunswick, NJ

Employment Type: Part Time, Temporary Staff Appointment - Hourly

Hours: Up to 19.5 hours per week

Salary: $20–$25 per hour

Rutgers University is seeking a Research Clerical Support Assistant for the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research. The Research Support Assistant will work directly with Dr. Luciana Mascarenhas Fonseca, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Rutgers University, within the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research. The successful candidate will play a key role in research about how thinking and memory skills change over time in adults with Down syndrome, and how these changes are connected to aging and dementia.

Candidates must be highly motivated to work with aging research and with adults with Down syndrome. Individuals with Down syndrome are strongly encouraged to apply. Training, supervision, and reasonable accommodations will be provided to support success in the role.

• Prepares and organizes study materials, maintains study records and files, updates databases and spreadsheets, schedules appointments and meetings, assists with mailings and participant communications, organizes supplies, photocopies and scans documents, and supports general office operations related to research activities, including supporting community outreach.
• Supports research staff with administrative preparation for participant visits and study activities under supervision.
• Attends lab meetings and required trainings and will have the opportunity to be part of a collaborative scientific and academic community focused on aging and developmental disabilities research.

Minimum

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or equivalent.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong interest in human subjects research and community-based work.
• Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with research participants and community members.
• Basic organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow structured protocols and work under supervision.
• Basic computer literacy (email, data entry, Microsoft Office or equivalent systems).
• Genuine enthusiasm for working with people and contributing to community-based research.
• Demonstrated warmth, empathy, and a strong sense of connection when working with individuals with Down syndrome or other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Interest in aging, cognition, or health-related research.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in research, healthcare, community outreach, or administrative support.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Personal and/or professional experience with the intellectual disability community, including individuals with Down syndrome.

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law.

As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-statement