Research Specialist 1

Overview

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI; Dr. Erik Storholm), the Research Specialist will be primarily involved in National Institute of Health (NIH) funded research projects related to improving the health of sexual and gender minorities.

The Sexual and Gender Minority Health and HIV Prevention Research Specialist Position will primarily be responsible for pursuing independent data analysis/manuscripts on multiple existing datasets focused on improving mental health, reducing substance use, preventing violence, and decreasing HIV/STI transmission.

The Research Specialist will have opportunities for mentorship in career development and grant writing. In addition, the Research Specialist will assist the PI and Program Manager with other research-related activities, including IRB renewals, grant reports, grant proposal supplementary materials, and research participant recruitment and retention efforts.

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, temporary position. The duration of the fellowship is two years - a one-year appointment term renewable for an additional year, contingent on funding and performance. This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Position to begin on or after July Sept 1. 2026.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Dr. Erik Storholm ([email protected]).

Responsibilities

Responsibility — Data Analysis & Scientific Writing — 55%

Specific Duties

  Conduct independent quantitative and qualitative data analysis on multiple existing large datasets, including longitudinal data

  Use statistical software programs (Stata and R) to manage and analyze study data

  Prepare and submit manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals

  Contribute to grant proposals and grant proposal supplementary materials

  Present research findings at lab meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences

Responsibility — Research Project Support — 30%

Specific Duties

  Assist the PI and Program Manager with IRB submissions, renewals, and modifications

  Assist with preparation of grant progress reports and summary reports for funding agencies

  Support research participant recruitment and retention efforts across active studies

  Assist with study protocol implementation and data collection activities as needed

Responsibility — Lab Engagement & Mentoring — 10%

Specific Duties

  Actively participate in regularly scheduled lab meetings and project meetings

  Participate in mentoring current students and research staff

  Attend seminars, colloquia, and other regularly scheduled educational activities at San Diego State University

Other Duties as Assigned — 5%

Qualifications

Knowledge and Abilities:

  Experience with manuscript writing, grant proposals, and other grant responsibilities such as summary reports and progress reports

  Experience conducting statistical analysis with large databases

  Experience with longitudinal research methods and data analysis

  Experience using statistical software programs Stata and R

  Experience with clinical interventions

  Experience working with sexual and gender minority populations

  Experience with HIV prevention and treatment research

  Excellent written and oral communication skills

  Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-based research environment

Education & Experience:

  Equivalent to graduation from a four-year university

  One-year of experience in technical research or statistical work experience 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS

  Doctoral degree in clinical psychology, epidemiology, public health, social and behavioral sciences, or related fields

  Training and experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.