YLabs is inviting applications for a Research Assistant to support its Climate x Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) project. This is a fully remote, part-time contractor opportunity open to candidates worldwide.
The role is suited to early-career researchers with strong writing and research skills who are interested in the intersection of climate resilience, public health and SRHR.
About YLabs
YLabs is a global design and research organization focused on developing technologies and solutions that strengthen youth power, agency and opportunity.
Founded in 2014 at the Harvard Innovation Lab, YLabs works directly with young people to co-create inclusive digital products and services. Its multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in youth-driven design, adolescent health, climate, livelihoods, digital product design, behavioral science and epidemiology.
The organization has worked across 18 countries, with projects focused on health and wellness, economic opportunity and climate resilience.
About the Research Assistant Role
The Research Assistant will join YLabs’ Research, Impact and Innovation team and support the organization’s Climate x SRHR project.
The successful candidate will contribute to research activities, stakeholder engagement, publications and dissemination materials.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Conducting literature reviews.
- Supporting policy analysis and evidence summaries.
- Managing citations and research resources.
- Supporting stakeholder engagement.
- Preparing meeting materials and taking notes.
- Maintaining stakeholder databases.
- Contributing to proposal development.
- Supporting quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
- Drafting and proofreading research publications.
- Preparing evidence briefs, reports and presentations.
- Fact-checking and quality assurance.
The position provides an opportunity to contribute to research that examines the relationship between climate resilience and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Fully Remote and Flexible
One of the key features of the opportunity is its fully remote working arrangement.
YLabs states that the position has no location restrictions, meaning candidates can apply from anywhere in the world.
However, applicants should be able to work flexible hours that allow reasonable overlap with teams based in the United States and East Africa.
This makes the role potentially suitable for researchers across different regions, including professionals and graduate students looking for flexible international research experience.
Part-Time Contractor Position
The Research Assistant position is offered on a part-time basis, requiring approximately 10–20 hours per week.
It is an independent contractor/consultancy position rather than a permanent employee role.
The initial contract is expected to last two months, with the possibility of extension depending on available funding.
Candidates should therefore understand that the initial engagement is short-term.
Salary: Up to $29 Per Hour
The advertised pay range is $21–$29 USD per hour, depending on experience.
YLabs notes that its compensation approach follows Project Fair principles and focuses on equity in pay for work of equal value.
The listed range is regionally benchmarked for an entry-level Research Assistant position in the YLabs U.S. office.
Because this is a contractor position, applicants should carefully review the contractual terms and compensation arrangements during the recruitment process.
Who Can Apply?
The ideal candidate will have graduate-level training or equivalent experience in public health, social science or a related discipline.
Candidates should also demonstrate:
- Excellent writing skills.
- Strong research abilities.
- Attention to detail.
- Curiosity and enthusiasm.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Rigorous sourcing and citation practices.
- Ability to assess evidence quality.
- Effective communication skills.
- Willingness to ask questions when uncertain.
A genuine interest in climate resilience and SRHR is also important.
Desirable Qualifications
Although the role is listed as entry-level, additional experience can strengthen an application.
YLabs identifies the following as desirable:
- Current graduate study in a relevant field.
- Experience using quantitative data analysis software.
- Experience using qualitative data analysis software.
Applicants do not necessarily need to have expertise in every area, but relevant research experience can help demonstrate readiness for the position.
Research and Writing Experience
Strong writing is particularly important for this role.
The Research Assistant may contribute to research publications, proposals, evidence briefs and reports. They will also be expected to proofread and format materials before publication.
Candidates should therefore be comfortable working with academic and policy literature, checking sources and presenting information clearly.
A strong writing sample can help demonstrate these abilities.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit:
- A resume
- A cover letter
- A writing sample
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by the YLabs Hiring Committee.
Candidates should therefore consider applying early rather than waiting for a closing date.
YLabs states that applications received during the posting period will be reviewed and candidates will be notified of their application status once the hiring process begins.
Why This Opportunity Could Be Valuable
The Research Assistant position offers an opportunity to gain experience working on an international project at the intersection of climate, health, research and social impact.
For graduate students and early-career researchers, the role could provide exposure to literature reviews, stakeholder engagement, data analysis, research publications and evidence dissemination.
The fully remote arrangement also makes it possible to collaborate with an international team without relocating.
Final Thoughts
The YLabs Research Assistant opportunity could be a strong option for early-career professionals and researchers interested in climate resilience, public health and SRHR.
The position is fully remote, open internationally, part-time and pays $21–$29 per hour. The initial contract is two months, with potential for extension depending on funding.
Candidates should prepare a strong resume, targeted cover letter and relevant writing sample, while highlighting their research, analytical, communication and evidence-synthesis skills.
VISIT HERE TO APPLY
Join Our WhatsApp Community
Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
