We are seeking an Full Time Research Assistant to assist with peer-delivered intervention delivered on a mobile treatment unit in rural Eastern Maryland. 

The position will primarily involve day-to-day on-site operation tasks for a research project evaluating a peer-delivered behavioral activation intervention delivered on a mobile treatment unit (Peer Activate-MTU) in rural Maryland. This project is in collaboration with researchers at University of Maryland Baltimore and examines the effectiveness of a peer recovery specialist-delivered intervention to improve polysubstance use and retention in mobile telemedicine opioid use disorder treatment. Start date is flexible in mid-to-late January 2024.

Applicants interested in implementation science and addiction who are interested in pursuing PhD programs in clinical psychology, public health, global health, or medical school are encouraged to apply.  Dr. Jessica Magidson’s program of research at University of Maryland offers an exciting opportunity to be engaged in local and global addiction science and mental health research with underserved populations.

The RA’s MTU duties will involve tasks related to day-to-day on-site and remote operations for the study, and will include but are not limited to the following: coordinating day-to-day operations of the study including supporting recruitment and retention efforts; conducting oral and written screenings and assessments; conducting qualitative interviews; arranging visits with study participants; and assessing and documenting eligibility and participation status of candidates for studies. The RA will have many of these same responsibilities when scheduled to work remotely to support the MTU study’s virtual operations.

The rest of the RA’s time will be spent working remotely across the GMAP South Africa and US-based studies, primarily managing qualitative research tasks with potential for other responsibilities as the needs arise. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: transcribing interviews and managing a group of students conducting transcriptions of qualitative interviews, this includes training students on the transcription process, assigning tasks, monitoring progress and quality assurance; participating in qualitative coding and coordinating with other members of the research team to complete qualitative coding; and conducting and overseeing fidelity coding of intervention session transcripts. Additional tasks may include supporting quantitative data management, including data cleaning and data quality assurance; participating in study meetings; and other administrative responsibilities to support the local team based at the University of Maryland and at the research sites.
 
Key skills for this position include the ability to organize and manage time and multiple tasks, attention to detail and excellent written skills, the ability to work independently, ability to demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity, and the ability to maintain effective communications and working relationships with other study team members.
 
Necessary qualifications include: 1) a BA/BS in Social Sciences (Psychology, Public Health, or related field); 2) prior research experience working with diverse populations, particularly vulnerable populations and/or individuals with substance use disorders or chronic medical conditions; 3) excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills. Prior experience with qualitative data analysis and familiarity with electronic data capture tools (REDCap) and statistical software (SPSS) preferred.

Interested applicants should send their CV, a cover letter (describing research interests and how prior experiences and skill set meet the above requirements), transcript with relevant coursework (unofficial is fine), a writing sample, and contact info for 2-3 references to Ms. Lea Simms (lsimms1 [at] umd.edu">lsimms1 [at] umd.edu) and Ms. Maretta Sonn (mrsonn [at] umd.edu">mrsonn [at] umd.edu) with the subject line “MTU RA position.”

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. UMD is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected status in all aspects of employment. UMD is actively engaged in recruiting, hiring, and promoting underrepresented communities; minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Acceptance: Applications are being reviewed immediately. Deadline is rolling until the position has been filled. 

Term: This is a one-year position at minimum (ideally at least two years, with the possibility of renewal for additional years contingent upon funding).

Start date: Mid-to-late January 2024. 

Location: The position will be based on the Mobile Treatment Unit, primarily based out of Denton in Caroline County, and at the University of Maryland, College Park, the flagship campus of University of Maryland, located only 5 miles outside of Washington DC, and 30 miles from Baltimore, MD. This position will involve regular on-site data collection on the Mobile Treatment Unit and requires access to a car to travel to the Eastern Shore a few days per week. The position will also require one-day a week on-campus and the rest of the time will be spent working remotely.

 

Last modified
12/01/2023 - 9:53 am