Student Assistant for Prenatal Genetics Project

Job description

The Health Ethics & Policy Lab is conducting a SNSF-funded project on the ethics of prenatal genetic testing. As part of this project, we are conducting interview studies with pregnant patients and families with a rare disease diagnosis to understand their views and experiences with prenatal genetic testing. 

We are looking for a Research Assistant with French, Italian, and English proficiency to conduct and process interviews with study participants during the academic year 2026-2027 (primarily during the Autumn semester, though there may be some remaining work in the early part of the Spring semester). We anticipate this job will require approximately 120-150 work hours in total. 

Our lab will provide the training necessary to be successful in this position, although prior experience with semi-structured interviewing is a plus. 

Tasks may include:

• Conducting research interviews with participants in French and/or Italian.
• Accuracy checking and data cleaning of interview transcripts in the language they are conducted in.  
• Reviewing English translations of interview transcripts for accuracy.
• Administrative tasks supporting participant recruitment and data collection, including scheduling and coordinating interviews with other team members.
• The Research Assistant may also support additional aspects of this project based on interest, time and needs.

Profile

Required

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in French and/or Italian (C1+, preferably mother tongue).  Preference will be given to candidates who are fluent in both languages.  
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English (B2+).
• Ability to discuss sensitive topics in a caring and empathic manner.  
• Ability to work independently, reliably, and accurately.

Desirable 

• Prior experience or familiarity with interviewing and qualitative methodologies. 
• Interest in bioethics, including genetics and reproductive ethics.

We offer

This is an hourly position, and salary will be based on the work hours completed. Hybrid work is possible and work times are flexible. This position will provide valuable research experience and the opportunity to learn about the field of bioethics. You will primarily work with a doctoral student and the project co-PI. If you are interested in other aspects of work in our lab, you will be welcome to attend various presentations and journal clubs.