The OHSU-PSU School of Public Health (SPH) is aligned with the American Public Health Association in declaring racism a public health crisis, and our School is committed to becoming an antiracist SPH. We are working to center social justice in our internal and external work as a school and are committed to addressing structural and institutional racism, and to holding ourselves accountable to this work. 

 

The Waddell Research Group at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health (SPH) is seeking a Research Associate to work on projects at the intersection of public health and public safety. The values of the School of Public Health guide our community-engaged education, research, scholarly, and service activities. The SPH believes in:

• Inclusion: promoting diversity, equity, and cultural humility in our institutions and communities
• Innovation: uniting the strengths of our two institutions through creative education, research, and sustained community engagement
• Integration: connecting perspectives, strategies, and methods across institutions, disciplines, and communities
• Integrity: practicing ethical principles, transparency, and empathy
• Impact: advancing health, justice, and social equity in our city, state, and the world

Located in the brand new Vanport Building on the Portland State University Campus, the Waddell Research Group specializes in evaluations of policy changes and interventions serving populations with complex needs. We are affiliated with the OHSU School of Medicine’s Addiction Medicine Section and collaborate with national leaders in addiction research through the Western States Node (WSN) of the NIDA Clinical Trials Network housed at OHSU and Stanford University. Nationally, we lead Oregon’s participation in the NIDA Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN). Locally, we support multiple state- and federally-funded initiatives to increase access to substance use disorder treatment and mental health services. Partners include Comagine Health, CODA, OSU College of Pharmacy, Clackamas County Jail and Community Corrections, Washington County Jail, the Oregon Department of Corrections, the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, Oregon Health Authority, and the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board.

Under occasional supervision from Research Project Manager and Senior Research Associate, responsibilities include assisting with the design and implementation of procedures and protocols in support of two primary projects. The Senior Research Assistant will seek advice on key activities, as necessary. The Senior Research Assistant will interact with external research sponsors independently, and will serve as a mentor to other junior staff such as student workers.

 

The Senior Research Assistant will support two main projects:

1. The Improving People’s Access to Community-based Treatment, Supports, and Services (IMPACTS) Technical Assistance and Local Evaluation Project, in partnership with the Criminal Justice Commission (CJC). Duties include supporting qualitative interview processes, contributing to the development of standard operating procedures and carrying out tasks such as transcription, coding, and writing up results; data systems management (e.g., use of REDCap and Qualtrics), data entry and organization, data analysis, and writing up results; coordinating with external research partners to coordinate and plan virtual and in-person learning opportunities and regional retreats for grantees; and some administrative tasks including participation in regular project meetings with stakeholders, writing, editing, notetaking, and travel coordination.
2. The Substance Use Disorder Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Inventory Project, in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission. Duties include data system management and maintenance; data collection and analysis; leading outreach and communications activities with agencies and organizations across the state; coordination and planning of stakeholder meetings, including scheduling county-level health department meetings; and administrative tasks such as overseeing travel coordination, note taking, summarizing and disseminating result, and other writing and editing as assigned.

The Senior Research Assistant will serve as a mentor for student workers providing support on projects under the Waddell Research Group portfolio, and will work closely with the Research Project Manager, Senior Research Associate, collaborating partners, and study team members to accomplish study objectives.

 

The Senior Research Assistant plays a critical role in developing and maintaining relationships with collaborating partners. Travel to research sites and to state and national meetings to represent the projects and support study recruitment will be necessary.

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field AND 1 years of relevant experience OR Equivalent combination of training and experience
• Previous work coordinating with community partners and other stakeholders in research projects
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Database creation; Excellent organizational and communication skills; Ability to work independently and to lead teams in a multi-task environment.
• Working knowledge of Substance Use Disorders across the continuum of care including prevention, treatment, and recovery
• Working knowledge of Mental Health diagnoses and co-occurring disorders (SUD and Mental Health disorders), and the effects social determinants of health have on these disorders
• Demonstrated experience with qualitative or quantitative data organization, management, and analysis

• Experience with research administration, including budgets and reporting requirements
• Previous experience with Endnote and presentation software. Understanding of human subjects’ protections.
• Familiarity with Qualtrics, NVivo, REDCap
• Previous use of data visualization programs such as Tableau

• Office/telework five days per week; travel within the Portland Metro Area and national meetings; ability to work at a desk and on computer for up to 8 hours a day
• Candidate must have ability to travel to different locations for research appointments

Please upload your CV/resume and a cover letter to be considered for this position

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.


As an organization devoted to the health and well-being of people in Oregon and beyond, OHSU requires its employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.