Research Assistant (Department of Mental Health)

We are seeking a Research Assistant who will oversees data collection, data organization, and/or data management or similar functions/tasks for research study(ies) in support of a PI or a research team.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Run routine and ad hoc reports.
• Use standard tools and computer programs to review data.
• Assist with data cleaning measures to ensure accuracy of data and preparation of tables.
• Lead basic activities such as data collection and data entry.
• May lead specific tasks and develop processes to ensure study activities occur effectively and efficiently.
• May conduct literature searches to support faculty in research efforts.
• May design and format papers/publications.
• May assist PIs in writing summaries of papers for release as policy briefs or other channels.
• Other duties as assigned.

In Addition to the Duties Listed Above

• The Department of Mental Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is in search of a Research Assistant for the Maryland Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (MD-ADDM) Project, part of the CDC’s ADDM Network.
• The purpose of this project is to provide estimates of the number of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Data collection for this project entails reviewing confidential records for precise details at various health facilities and schools in Maryland.

The Research Assistant will

• Abstract data from school and health records, including but not limited to data from developmental, psychological, and cognitive evaluations.
• Review electronic and/or paper health and education records.
• Screen children’s records and determine whether abstraction criteria are met.
• Accurately enter data into REDCap while following CDC study protocol as well as adhering to strict confidentiality and security guidelines. The ability to use independent judgment while still adhering to project protocol is essential.
• Document weekly progress and report out to team for data-based decision-making to assist in prioritization and assignment of abstraction needs.
• Participate in conference calls with the funder and other project sites

Please note that some travel within the community is required. While most records are available remotely, some records do require travel to different sites in the Maryland surveillance area for access. When collecting data on site, the individual may be required to lift, move, carry, and return paper records at data sources. This position will require an individual to view a computer screen for long periods of time for data entry.

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Experience working with medical or school records
• Experience with electronic data collection and collecting confidential data
• Experience working on a research team
• Knowledge of autism spectrum disorder or other related developmental disabilities

Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency

• Analytical Skills - Awareness
• Attention to Detail - Awareness
• Data Management and Analysis - Awareness
• Formatting and Layout Proficiency - Awareness
• Information Gathering - Awareness
• Oral and Written Communications - Awareness
• Organizational Skills - Awareness

The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs.

Classified Title: Research Assistant   
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/03/CD  
Starting Salary Range: $17.65 - $31.05 HRLY (Commensurate w/exp.) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: Hybrid/School of Public Health  
Department name: Mental Health Research Projects   
Personnel area: School of Public Health