Research Assistant

The Health Effects Institute (www.healtheffects.org) seeks a motivated Research Assistant to join our science team. HEI is a leading scientific institute that funds high-quality research on air pollution, energy development, and health effects to inform policy decisions around the world. This position will primarily support our Energy Research Program with opportunities to learn from staff across all of HEI’s programs. 


This position is an excellent entry-level, full-time opportunity for an individual who has science training and wants experience that would be helpful in defining their next steps in educational and career development. We expect a candidate to make a 1.5-to-2-year commitment, beginning in September 2023 or soon thereafter. The successful candidate will work closely with HEI’s scientific staff and expert Committees in an intellectually engaging and collaborative work environment located in the heart of Boston’s downtown.


About HEI
HEI is a nonprofit corporation chartered in 1980 as an independent research organization to provide high-quality, impartial, and relevant science on the health effects of air pollution in the United States, Europe, and around the world. HEI typically receives balanced funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the worldwide motor vehicle industry. Other public and private organizations periodically support special projects or certain research programs.


The core air pollution program produces science to inform important environmental and health decisions in North America and Europe. Learn more.


The global health program offers opportunities to help advance the goals of clean air in countries around the world — especially in low- and middle-income countries with high air pollution levels. Learn more.


The energy program provides policy-relevant science about population exposures and health effects associated with onshore development of oil and natural gas from shale and other unconventional resources, including the process of hydraulic fracturing, in the United States. Learn more.


Position Description
We seek a scientifically trained research assistant who welcomes the opportunity to work in close collaboration with other staff on a wide variety of scientific issues at the environmental health and energy nexus. This professional position provides the work experience, mentorship, and opportunities to engage with widely respected scientists that will help the successful candidate to define next steps in their career path. The successful candidate will support a broad range of activities aimed at understanding and communicating research funded by HEI Energy to inform national, state, and local policy related to oil and gas development and other energy topics.
 
Responsibilities
Work with science staff to prepare summary documents, such as technical reports, research briefs, policy briefs, meeting minutes, and factsheets related to ongoing projects.

  • Collect, organize, and analyze scientific literature and manage literature databases.
  • Participate in various meetings and events conducted by HEI with opportunities to network with internationally recognized scientists.
  • Prepare clear and effective visual presentations of data.
  • Conduct secondary research as needed on specific topics.
  • Assist with social media strategy, content generation, and scheduling as needed.
  • Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, public health, environmental science, engineering, or closely related field. Candidates with Master’s degrees will not be considered for this position.
  • Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work with people from diverse technical and geographic backgrounds.
  • Experience with MS Office suite and citation management systems (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley).
  • Strong writing and science communication skills.
  • Quantitative analytical and data visualization skills; experience with R and/or Python and GIS software would be helpful.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. This includes candidates who are on OPT/STEM OPT. HEI values opportunities for in-person interaction among staff and with its scientific committees but provides some flexibility for working remotely.


Compensation and Benefits 
HEI is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in its work and staff. We endeavor to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all at HEI, free from discrimination of all types, including race, gender, LGBTQ+, ethnicity, national origin, and disability. HEI offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a stimulating environment, including the following:

  • Excellent work-life balance.
  • Starting salary $39-59k, based on a 35-hr work week and factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, and internal team equity.
  • Generous vacation, holiday, parental, and sick leave.
  • Contributions to a 403b retirement plan.
  • 80% of health and 100% of dental premiums are covered by the organization.
  • Fully paid life insurance.
  • Flexible spending accounts available for health, child, and elder care expenses.
  • Pretax commuter benefits.

 

HEI values opportunities for in-person interaction among staff and with its scientific committees but provides flexibility for working remotely.


The Health Effects Institute is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity within and across its work and staff. We maintain that staff from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and culture help us to fulfill our mission and therefore encourage candidates from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, and protected veteran status or other status protected by law to apply for this position. We endeavor to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all at HEI, free from discrimination of all types. 


How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications via email (HR@healtheffects.org) and include the following items:

  • Cover letter briefly expressing interest in and qualifications for the position.
  • Résumé.
  • Unofficial transcript of courses taken for the last degree. Please note that we may request official transcripts if you are invited for an interview.
  • Two samples of independent writing.


HEI Energy will not consider incomplete applications. In case you have questions, please contact Mr. Quoc Pham at HR@healtheffects.org. Final candidates will be asked to provide names of three references who will not be contacted without advance notice to you. 


Please include “Research Assistant 2023 Position” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin in August, with interviews in early September; however, the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Anticipated start date is in late September/early October 2023. All applications received before August 18, 2023, will receive full consideration. Interviews will be conducted virtually.

Human Resources
Health Effects Institute
75 Federal Street, Suite 1400, Boston, MA 02110