Research Project Assistant II (Department of Mental Health)

We are seeking a Research Project Assistant II who will support the conduct of a research project. Collects and organizes data through study-specific procedures that may include community outreach, data collection, sample collection, laboratory work, and/or field work. Provides general administrative support for meetings/events, communications, reporting, etc.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist in developing operational plans to meet research goals.
• Set up tools and procedures for data collection and study processes.
• Collect and organize data per study requirements, e.g. participant interviews, administer questionnaires; conduct background research, laboratory processing, etc.
• Process data by organizing data records and study files.
• Run basic analyses and prepare routine reports.
• Perform literature searches, abstract data from literature searches and index gathered data.
• Other duties as assigned.

In Addition to the Duties Listed Above:

• Experienced Research Interviewers (also known as Research Project Assistant II) are sought to conduct lengthy face-to-face interviews and extensive cognitive assessments with adults in their mid-40’s living in the community. Interviewers are responsible for implementing under unpredictable and varying field conditions a complex data collection protocol consisting of 2 separate visits to respondents’ homes, within a 2-hour radius of Johns Hopkins East Baltimore Campus.
• Interviewers will need to be able to easily build rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds, at times in unpredictable and chaotic environments.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public as well as family “gatekeepers”, while keeping data confidential is important.
• Creative problem solving and grit in the face of challenges is essential for the successful completion of the required work.

Interviewers will 

• Trace and locate participants who were last contacted 13+ years ago.
• Recruit, schedule and conduct study visits according to approved protocol.
• Must pass certification to administer Cognitive Neuropsychological Assessments and structured interview, within two attempts.
• Use Electronic Data Capture system daily.

• High school diploma or graduation equivalent.
• One year of related experience.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and have reliable access to a vehicle for work-related travel.
• This position requires frequent travel to participant locations up to two (2) hours from campus and applicants must be able to independently fulfill these travel requirements.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field

• Public Health, Psychology, or Sociology backgrounds or related experience.

• Accuracy, attention to detail, organization of materials, and ability to manage time effectively are needed in order to succeed as a Field Interviewer.
• Proficiency with laptops, tablets, computers, and MS Office applications or ability to learn relatively quickly.
• Prior experience handling confidential data and/or administering cognitive assessment measures are not essential, as some training will be provided, but would be a significant advantage.

• Excellent communication skills and flexibility with study participants. Interviewers need to also be able to communicate effectively with the study team and show willingness to engage in continuous skills development.

Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency

• Administrative Skills - Awareness
• Analytical Skills - Awareness
• Data Entry - Awareness
• Data Management and Analysis - Awareness
• Information Gathering: Awareness
• Interpersonal Skills - Awareness
• Oral and Written Communications - Awareness
• Organizational Skills - Awareness
• Research and Analytical 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 Project Assistant II   
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC  
Starting Salary Range: $16.10 - $26.90 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