Research Associate

About S&PAA

The Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance (S&PAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving care, reducing stigma, and promoting equity for individuals living with schizophrenia and psychosis. Our research and advocacy work centers the voices of people with lived experience, caregivers, and the communities disproportionately affected by schizophrenia and related psychosis spectrum disorders.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dedicated Research Associate to contribute to meaningful research and advocacy projects that improve quality of life and quality of care for people living with schizophrenia and psychosis. You will work directly with our Director of Scientific Affairs to design and conduct rigorous, co-produced research - partnering with individuals who have lived experience, caregivers, and clinicians - and to translate findings into resources that inform care, policy, and public understanding.

What You'll Do

• Help ensure research strategies are rigorous, scientifically sound, and grounded in co-production with lived expertise
• Conduct semi-structured interviews, literature reviews, and survey design/programming
• Perform qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and prepare, organize, and clean datasets
• Translate research findings for diverse audiences - including individuals living with schizophrenia, caregivers, clinicians, and the public
• Contribute to peer-reviewed manuscript preparation, with opportunities for co-authorship and conference presentations
• Manage research administration, including IRB applications and documentation
• Participate in regular mentorship meetings focused on professional development and career growth
• Travel within the United States (~5% of time) to present S&PAA research or participate in in-person initiatives

How Your Time Breaks Down

• Science: 50%
• Communication: 25%
• Administration: 20%
• Travel: 5%

What You Bring

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in public health, social work, neuroscience, psychology, or a related field
• Strong interest in schizophrenia research and advocacy, and commitment to co-production with lived expertise
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Excel and reference management software (e.g., Zotero, EndNote)
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines

Preferred:

• Master's degree in a related field
• Familiarity with qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo, Dedoose) and statistical tools (e.g., SPSS, R)

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

S&PAA fosters an inclusive culture that values the unique qualities, experiences, perspectives, and identities each person brings, and welcomes applicants across the disability community. We support the use of assistive technology and accommodations to enable any candidate to succeed in this role.

Work Environment

This is a sedentary, computer-based remote role. Candidates must be able to use a phone, computer screen, and other standard office equipment, and to communicate clearly (with assistive technology as needed).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

S&PAA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.