Community Engaged Research Expert

Overview

The Center for Health Excellence & Community Empowerment (CHECE) prepares and equips public, nonprofit, and private sector entities to effectively engage underrepresented urban constituencies in co-creating solutions that foster healthy, safe, and thriving communities. CHECE strengthens individual and organizational capacity to participate in collaborative partnerships, health and related research and assessment, policy development and decision-making, service delivery innovation, and effective communication.

CHECE fosters meaningful, lasting partnerships that drive systemic change. CHECE builds upon a proven effective community engagement model developed by the Office of University-Community Partnerships (OUCP) and the scholarship and knowledge-based services that are the hallmarks of the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA).

Rutgers University-Newark (RU-N), an urban public research university and anchor institution located in Newark, New Jersey—a city of promise—is seeking Community-Engaged Research Experts (CREs) to partner in research initiatives that advance health, equity, and social impact.

Community-Engaged Research Experts are professionals and/or community members who bring lived experience, local knowledge, and trusted relationships to the research process. CREs collaborate with faculty, staff, and research teams to:

• Shape research questions and inform study design
• Use community-informed strategies for recruitment and data gathering
• Analyze data and interpret findings in culturally relevant ways, highlighting community strengths
• Design interventions that are contextually and culturally appropriate
• Support the implementation of findings in ways that are meaningful and actionable for communities
• Foster stronger relationships between researchers and communities, helping to overcome historical distrust
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Center's Director

CREs play a vital role in bridging academic research with community needs, ensuring that research is relevant, equitable, and has tangible impact.

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• 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

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Requires up to two years relevant experience in an administrative function, good communication and interpersonal skills, and computer literacy.

• Citi Certification Training
• Successful completion of the Rutgers University Community Scientist Program

Microsoft Office Suite

• Posting Open Date: 02/13/2026
• Posting Close Date: 05/14/2026
• Position Status:
  Part Time
• Working Hours:
  
  19
• Daily
  
  Work Shift:
  
  Day
• Work Arrangement:
  Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. The flexible work arrangements outlined in Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 are part of a pilot program that is effective September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024. Therefore, there is no guarantee that this flexible work arrangement will continue beyond that date. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or cancellation and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the Flex Work@RU Application System.
  
  Additional information may be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..
• Location:
  
  Rutgers University-Newark, Newark, NJ

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain…