Research Associate

Heluna Health invites applications for a Research Associate position in the Center for Public Health Research (CPHR) at the San Francisco Department of Public Health. CPHR is a research unit that engages in a wide range of public health research including studies of populations at high risk for HIV infection. CPHR has developed methods and strategies for tracking the HIV epidemic that have been used locally and around the globe since the 1980s. The CPHR Investigators are global leaders in the epidemiology of HIV infection, HIV research training methods, and informing HIV prevention approaches.

In this role, the Research Associate will receive training and experience in various aspects of conducting epidemiological studies, including interviewing, counseling, and HIV test counseling. They will also assist in formative research before data collection. The Research Associate will work on this innovative project to recruit, survey, and conduct HIV and STI testing with the men who have sex with men (MSM) population in San Francisco to better understand HIV prevalence and HIV risk behaviors in this population.

This is a temporary (through Dec 2026), in-person, part time (25 hours), grant funded, benefitted position with non-standard work hours.

Due to the nature of the study, work hours will include daytime, evening, and weekends, with emphasis on late evenings. Must be willing to do venue-based outreach at various locations such as bars and events across San Francisco. Successful candidates must be prepared to work late evening and weekend hours. Must have open and flexible availability to meet program needs

Employment is provided by Heluna Health.

Pay Rate

$27.43 per hour

Essential functions

• Study Activities
• Obtain informed consent, interview study participants, and complete detailed data forms
• Operate computerized data collection program on a laptop computer or other electronic device
• Provide appropriate referrals for social services in the San Francisco Bay Area
• Obtain and process specimens for HIV testing, provide HIV test counseling, disclose results, and provide appropriate referrals to care, if needed

• Other Responsibilities
• Contribute to other Center for Public Health Research projects, as needed
• Participate in meetings and quality control activities
• Perform other duties as required

• Experience
• Experience or willingness to learn how to conduct research interviews and obtain informed consent
• Experience or willingness to learn how to perform HIV testing
• Experience with LGBTQIA+ populations preferred

• Job qualifications
• Knowledge of, sensitivity to, and experience working with diverse communities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Organized and ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take responsibility for assignments with deadlines
• Knowledgeable of harm reduction principles
• Knowledge of San Francisco’s community-based organizations and service providers preferred
• Fluency in Spanish preferred
• Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and good judgment

Physical demands

Stand Frequently

Walk Frequently

Sit Frequently: Handling / Fingering Occasionally

Reach Outward Occasionally

Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally: Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally

Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

See Constantly

Taste/ Smell Not Applicable: Not Applicable Not required for essential functions

Occasionally (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly (5+ hrs/day)

Work environment: General Office Setting, Indoors, Outdoors, Venues

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.

All qualified applicants will be considered for this position in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Eeoc statement

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.