"Research Associate, YSPH"

Overview

Yale School of Public Health is seeking a full-time Research Associate to conduct a field work and data analysis on a five-year NIDA-funded project study that applies a multi-pronged approach to better understand the illicit drug market in Connecticut. The project will integrate community data with data obtained by the wastewater drug testing and from drug overdose data obtained from state agencies and local emergency departments. A successful candidate will be responsible assisting the principal investigator, Dr. Robert Heimer, in organizing community-based drug checking in multiple locations across the state.

Responsibilities

Travel to sites around the state to carry out the community-based drug checking, including:

• Screening potential study participants who illicitly use opioids, stimulants, sedatives, and other addictive psychoactive substances to determine eligibility.
• Testing samples provided by eligible community members using a portable Fourier transformed infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and assist in determining the chemical components.
• Administering surveys to collect drug use and sociodemographic data from participants at the same time as samples are being tested.
• Managing the chain referral system (respondent-driven sampling) for recruiting participants and the payments to study participants.

Carry out additional aspects of the research within the scope of the established study protocol, adhering to human subjects regulations as defined by Yale University and the federal government.

Assist in integrating and analyzing the community, wastewater testing, and agency data, focusing on data preparation, coding and implementation of the analysis, preparing data tables and figures for presentation and manuscripts, and contributing to manuscript drafting and revisions at a level consistent with co-authorship. This includes the opportunity to work with project co-investigators to identify spatio-temporal patterns in the integrated datasets.

Work independently to develop, manage and organize aspects of report preparation for periodic reports on grant progress and human subjects issues.

Participate in regular project-wide meetings and frequent one-on-one meetings with the principal investigator. Support for further training and research presentation opportunities is available.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrated research experience involving people who use drugs, as well as experience collaborating with community organizations serving this population, are strongly preferred. Relevant lived experience that informs research on substance use is considered an asset.
2. A valid driver’s license and ability to travel to research sites across Connecticut.
3. Ability to build and maintain trust with community-based organizations, their clients, and public health partners.
4. Familiarity with Excel and MPH level statistical software.
5. Knowledge of regulatory and ethical requirements in community-based research.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse populations.
2. Ability to work independently in dynamic and field-based environments.
3. Recognition of and avoidance in using stigmatizing language concerning illicit drug use and addiction.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Carries out research within the scope of the established study protocol. Adheres to all human subjects regulations as defined by Yale University and the federal government that pertain to research studies.
2. Develops criteria for admission of study subjects based on goals and objectives of project.
3. Determines potential sources of funding and prospective partnerships.
4. Evaluates feasibility of accepting potential projects through analysis of staffing needs, resource requirements, financial costs, and current planned capacity of group. Negotiates contracts and/or changes with funder.
5. Develops original HIC/IRB submissions. Based on knowledge of science and research goals, collaborates with PIs on major revisions and contributes to scientific protocols. Plans and implements changes.
6. Develops forms, questionnaires and the application of research techniques; writes procedures manuals for data collection and coding.
7. Responsible for the documentation and transmission of study data. Ensures that report forms are accurately documented and completed in a timely manner at each site location.
8. Works independently to develop manage and organize multi site studies. Serves as primary coordinator between University, non-Yale collaborators, pharmaceutical companies, HIC, IRB and funding sources.
9. Performs descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
10. Designs and implements quality control measures to ensure accurate collection and processing of data.
11. Contributes in-depth, original thought and relevance to written reports and to the writing of abstracts and manuscripts.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in a related discipline and two years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Salary Range

$65,000.00 - $101,000.00

Location

New Haven, Connecticut

Time Type

Full time

Work Model

On-site