CASY-MSCCN Jobs

We are looking to recruit up to three Research Program Assistants (II) (RPAII) for a short-term assignment. Each RPAII will work as part of a collaborative research team on a mixed methods study of polysubstance use, conducting qualitative interviews with people who use drugs (PWUD) in regions across Maryland. Primary responsibilities include participant recruitment, conducting qualitative interviews using a structured life course approach, background research of local communities, producing summaries of interviews and local observations, quality assurance, and assisting with analysis of interview data. Interviewers will travel in teams to conduct interviews with PWUD in locations across Maryland. Will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) and senior study team in all aspects of fieldwork. Training will be provided. Ideal candidates will have a high level of responsibility and independence, have experience in and enthusiasm for high quality qualitative data collection, be knowledgeable about drug use and harm reduction, and be able to interact with diverse populations in a highly professional, compassionate and knowledgeable manner.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducting qualitative life course interviews related to drug use and life events using a structured life course approach.

• Completing relevant training prior to interviews (e.g. CITI human subjects research, ethics and confidentiality, and trauma-informed community engagement, project-specific training in qualitative interviewing and data collection and fieldwork protocols).

• Conducting informed consent procedures.

• Documenting interview summaries, observations and field notes using a structured form.

• Maintaining compliance with IRB regulations and guidelines.

• Actively communicating/updating the supervising study team about data collection and participant recruitment status on a daily basis.

• Work with analysis team to contribute to and support analysis of incoming data.

• Contribute towards the development of analysis, drawing on field experience and applied analysis of data.

• Other duties as assigned.

• This description is a general statement of required duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. It does not exclude other duties as assigned.

Specific Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Prior qualitative research training and experience conducting qualitative interviews. Equivalent experience may be considered.

• Knowledge of drug use and related health issues. Familiarity with harm reduction approaches to drug use preferred.

• Prior work experience with drug using populations. Must be sensitive to the nature of the work and the confidentiality of the study participants.

• Ability to interact sensitively and professionally with study participants, community stakeholders, project team members and other individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.

• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills – able to effectively communicate and discuss interviewing experience and progress to supervisors on a daily basis.

• Respect for project aims and role in team effort to achieve these aims.

• Able to work independently while working as part of a team and be able to meet deadlines in a timely fashion.

• Ability to interact sensitively, effectively, and professionally with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.

• Located outside of Baltimore City and/or willing to travel to data collection sites across Maryland.

• Valid driver's license. If not located in specific regions of Maryland where interviews will take place, must be willing to drive for up to 5 hours a day on interview days.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or graduation equivalent.

• Two years related experience.

• Additional education may substitute for required experience, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.

• Experience obtaining informed consent among vulnerable and diverse populations, training in and experience conducting in-depth interviews.

• Knowledge of drug use/injection drug use in the context of health.

• Familiarity with harm reduction approaches to drug use.

• Experience working with vulnerable populations, including people who use and/or inject drugs and/or community stakeholders including front line workers, service providers, first responders, program planners, and decision makers desired.

Classified Title: Research Program Assistant II

Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC

Starting Salary Range: Min $15.50 - Max $26.00 HRLY ($42,432 targeted; Commensurate with experience)

Employee group: Casual / On Call

Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

Exempt Status: Non-Exempt

Location: School of Public Health

Department name: HBS-Research Projects

Personnel area: School of Public Health

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Johns Hopkins University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. The university promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.