Job Details

Hourly Research Assistant

Position Number: 6876235
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Hourly Research Assistant

Job Summary

The Research Assistant will serve as a Peer Health Coach in a behavioral health research study focused on supporting undergraduate students through health coaching. This position provides remote coaching using motivational interviewing and evidence-based behavior change strategies while assisting with study operations and protocol implementation.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated vaccination requirements, or be approved for an exemption, prior to the first day of work. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Responsibilities

Deliver remote peer health coaching to undergraduate student participants using motivational interviewing and evidence-based behavior change techniques.
Support participants in setting and achieving health behavior goals (e.g., physical activity, sleep, stress management) within a research protocol.
Document coaching sessions with high fidelity to research procedures and maintain accurate study records.
Schedule and conduct coaching sessions using secure digital communication platforms.
Assist with participant communication, scheduling, and study coordination tasks.
Complete data entry and support basic research operations.
Participate in research team meetings and training sessions

The ideal candidate has the following experience/qualifications:

Undergraduate study majors in Kinesiology, Public Health, Psychology, or related field.
Must be a current undergraduate student OR have completed a bachelor's degree within the past 12 months.
One year of research experience
Health Coach Certification
Prior health coaching experience must include coaching college-aged or undergraduate student clients.
Demonstrated ability to apply motivational interviewing and behavior change strategies in real coaching interactions.
Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to relate to undergraduate peers.
Ability to follow structured research protocols and maintain confidentiality.
Minimum of 50 hours of prior supervised health coaching experience.
Experience serving as a peer mentor, honors mentor, or student leadership role working directly with first-year or undergraduate students.
Experience coaching young adults in academic or campus settings.
Familiarity with digital or remote health coaching platforms.
BLS certification or related clinical exposure.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Research Assistant, I: Requires little to no related experience.

Research Assistant, II : Requires at least 1 year of related experience.

Research Assistant, III: Requires 3+ years of related experience.

Preferences
Undergraduate study majors in Kinesiology, Public Health, Psychology, or related field.Must be a current undergraduate student OR have completed a bachelor's degree within the past 12 months.One year of research experienceHealth Coach CertificationPrior health coaching experience must include coaching college-aged or undergraduate student clients.Demonstrated ability to apply motivational interviewing and behavior change strategies in real coaching interactions.Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to relate to undergraduate peers.Ability to follow structured research protocols and maintain confidentiality.Minimum of 50 hours of prior supervised health coaching experience.Experience serving as a peer mentor, honors mentor, or student leadership role working directly with first-year or undergraduate students.Experience coaching young adults in academic or campus settings.Familiarity with digital or remote health coaching platforms. BLS certification or related clinical exposure.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN16711N
Full Time or Part Time? Part Time
Work Schedule Summary: Variable - depending on business needed
Department: 00196 - Health & Kinesiology
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: up to $20/hr
Close Date: 2/23/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/195396