Details **Open Date** 01/23/2026 **Requisition Number** PRN16711N **Job Title** Hourly Research Assistants **Working Title** Hourly Research Assistant **Career Progression Track** S00 **Track Level** S3 - Skilled, S2 - Intermediate, S1 - Entry Level Support **FLSA Code** Nonexempt **Patient Sensitive Job Code?** Yes **Type** Non Benefited Staff / Student **Temporary?** Yes **Standard Hours per Week** up to 10 hours/week **Full Time or Part Time?** Part Time **Shift** Day **Work Schedule Summary** Variable – depending on business needed **Is this a work study job?** No **VP Area** U of U Health - Academics **Department** 00196 - Health & Kinesiology **Location** Campus **City** Salt Lake City, UT **Type of Recruitment** External Posting **Pay Rate Range** up to $20/hr **Close Date** 02/23/2026 **Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)** **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 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. **Special Instructions Summary** **Additional Information** _The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students._ _Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities._ _The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both._ _To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action:_ _Director/ Title IX Coordinator_ _Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA)_ _383 University Street, Level 1 OEO Suite_ _Salt Lake City, UT 84112_ _801-581-8365_ _oeo@utah.edu_ _Online reports may be submitted at_ **oeo.utah.edu** **_For more information:_** **https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/** **_To inquire about this posting, email:_** **employment@utah.edu** **_or call 801-581-2300._** _The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules._ _This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen._ _https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South._