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. 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. This is a fully in-person role.

This is a temporary, part time (25 hours) grant funded through December 2026, benefitted position. Employment is provided by Heluna Health.

Pay Rate: $27.43

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.