Senior Research Associate - Public Health

Job Summary:

The Senior Public Health Research Associate is responsible for the management and coordination of research activities of projects focused on substance use among justice-involved individuals and improving public health and safety outcomes across participating sites in multiple states (e.g., Missouri, Texas, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Colorado). Responsibilities for daily project activities assigned by the Project Director include supervising Public Health Research Associates (PHRAs) and Research Assistants (RAs), developing and training on project interventions, recruiting study participants, collecting data, performing basic data analysis, and participating in report and manuscript preparation. This position is grant funded.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Assumes a lead role in supporting program and research implementation by assisting with development of intervention materials, study protocols, and updating a management information system for ongoing research projects; expediting and conducting field data collection (through interviews and focus groups); assisting with basic research tasks.
2. Assists Project Director with training on and development of data collection materials, preparing and editing reports, and graphical design of materials.
3. Provides support by maintaining files; assisting with oversight of field management and in data collection.
4. Assumes a lead role in training PHRA and RA staff; plans, monitors, and appraises job results for PHRA and RA staff.
5. Assume a lead role in field coordination of PHRA and RA activities.
6. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Master’s degree in criminal justice, health education, social work, health behavior, psychology, or other health services research fields.
• 3 years’ experience in health behavior or health services field, during which he/she provided substance use intervention services and assisted in the management of at least one research project.
• At least one year of experience managing study field staff.
• Documented experience developing substance use intervention materials.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Experience providing substance use treatment interventions.
• Experience conducting research studies within a criminal justice setting.
• Social work or Public health education and experience, particularly with justice-involved individuals who have a history of substance use.
• Experience using REDCap Cloud as a data collection and project management platform.

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• None

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of applied research techniques.
• Knowledge of basic statistical principles.
• Knowledge of best practices for preventing substance use.
• Skill in some or all components of Microsoft Office including Excel and Word.
• Skill in Microsoft Windows navigation.
• Skill in qualitative research practices.
• Skill in conducting interviews with staff and clients.
• Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to compose technical reports.
• Ability to review and make recommendations to improve and streamline processes.
• Ability to organize complex tasks.
• Ability to train and lead staff.

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is primarily indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position that requires frequent travel to participating study sites.

Employment Values Statement:

Texas Christian University values Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence in the workplace. TCU treats applicants and employees with fairness and respect. TCU hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications and their commitment to making a positive impact on our student-centered community. TCU is an equal opportunity employer and follows all applicable employment laws. TCU fairly considers all qualified individuals, ensuring we are a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.