Senior Research Assistant

Overview

Position Announcement

Portland State University (PSU) is seeking a Senior Research Assistant I in the Institute on Aging (IOA). This is a fixed-term research/grant position with a start date expected 02/02/2026 and end date 09/30/2027. Position details include Rank K1 - Senior Research Assistant I, FTE between .50 and 1.0 (starting at 1.0 FTE), and a 12-month term of service.

The IOA conducts research, provides education, and collaborates with community partners to promote the well-being of older adults. This three-year CDSME (Chronic Disease Self-Management Education) project, funded by a federal grant, aims to increase participation in evidence-based programs (WRAP and PEARLS) and build capacity for trainers, sites, and referrals across Oregon.

The program focuses on behavioral health for older adults, including depression and substance use, and emphasizes partnerships with community organizations, training, outreach materials, and sustainability of CDSME and self-management programs.

The CDSME Senior Research Assistant will work with the CDSME leadership team to advance project goals by collaborating with community partners and coordinating training and implementation activities. Specific duties include:

• Participate in PEARLS training and occasionally deliver PEARLS training to older adults
• Coordinate training of PEARLS coaches and WRAP facilitators
• Recruit PEARLS and WRAP collaborators and implementation sites
• Collaborate with training platform vendor to include CDSME program information
• Develop outreach materials for staff and attendees at assisted living facilities, adult foster homes, and senior centers across Oregon
• Plan and attend regional meetings for program partners
• Work with the Evaluation team to collect attendance data and measure behavioral health improvements
• Develop and disseminate 508-compliant resources related to lessons learned to enhance service delivery and program sustainability
• Participate in bi-monthly meetings with program coaches/trainers to review progress and lessons learned
• Travel to implementation sites as needed
• Other duties as assigned

• Graduate degree in social work, public health, psychology, or related field, or comparable work experience
• 2+ years as a Research Assistant or equivalent, performing tasks such as data collection, reporting, data processing, data management, and basic qualitative or quantitative analysis
• Demonstrated ability to perform focused research or evaluation tasks
• Experience collaborating with community partners in behavioral health or aging services, including culturally-specific services
• Knowledge of behavioral health needs of older adults
• Ability to travel across the state approximately once per quarter
• Ability to manage regular correspondences with multiple partners involved with training
• Experience managing or coordinating research and evaluation activities
• Ability to deliver trainings in group settings to diverse populations

• Knowledge of evidence-based programs targeted to older adults and/or behavioral health
• Experience implementing evidence-based programs for older adults with behavioral health needs
• Experience planning in-person training events for health and human service professionals
• Experience developing recruitment materials for diverse audiences
• Experience managing or coordinating research and evaluation activities

• Acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences
• Communicates effectively within varying beliefs and cultural backgrounds
• Seeks opportunities to work in diverse settings and is committed to continual improvement
• Adheres to PSU policies, including Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and Professional Standards of Conduct

Contributes to environmental stewardship and sustainability goals.

PSU expects professional conduct to maintain a safe, respectful, and productive environment. See PSU Professional Standards of Conduct policy.

The minimum salary for a Senior Research Assistant I (12-month term) is $69,216 at 1.0 FTE; salary may be negotiated higher based on experience, skills, and budget approvals. PSU offers a benefits package including healthcare, retirement, vacation, and reduced tuition rates. A total compensation calculator is available for full benefit value.

Appointment is renewable contingent on grant funding. References contacted only if selected as a finalist. Questions may be emailed to ioainfo.

Posting closes when finalists are identified; screening begins 01/20/2026. Reference questions and required documents are listed below.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*) and may include questions on degree, travel ability, and how you found this position.

Required:

Resume, Cover Letter. Optional:
Additional documents as…