We are seeking a Research Program Assistant II to support research conducted by the Johns Hopkins Center to Accelerate Translation of Interventions to Decrease Premature Mortality in Persons with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) within General Internal Medicine. This individual will work primarily on qualitative research aspects of multiple NIMH implementation science studies focused on evaluating interventions developed to improve physical health for persons with serious mental illness. Study-related tasks will involve interacting with leaders and staff working in clinic, school- and community-based mental health program locations; peers; individuals with SMI and their families/caregivers; representatives from advocacy and non-profit organizations; and federal, state, and local government leaders in behavioral/mental health policy, consumer and healthcare financing. This individual will be trained to work with clients who have serious mental illness and will contribute to all aspects of the work including preparing IRB applications, the use of implementation science frameworks, scheduling and conducting interviews and focus groups, and qualitative data analysis.

The Research Program Assistant II may also provide support for general study activities including assisting with literature reviews and manuscripts; creating procedure manuals and protocols; screening and recruiting eligible participants; and other duties as directed by the Principal Investigator, Co-Investigators, and the Faculty Research Associate.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Be knowledgeable of study protocols to ensure proper completion of activities, including sending recruitment emails and information sheets; screening potential study participants according to the protocols’ inclusion and exclusion criteria; ensuring proper consent from each study participant is obtained and properly documented.
• Support the development of qualitative interview guides.
• Aid in conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups in a timely fashion via phone, in-person, or by web-based platform.
• Code and analyze qualitative data in qualitative software (e.g., MAXQDA, NVivo).
• Coordinate and participate in meetings with the study team; study collaborators; community working groups (CWGs); and ad hoc groups, as needed; develop meeting agendas in collaboration with the Principal Investigator, Co-Investigators, and the Faculty Research Associate.
• Assist with the creation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for protocols.
• Utilize protocol specific forms and data collection documents.
• Maintain research study files.
• Coordinate work and facilitate communication of pertinent information between multiple collaborators and study team members, clinic administrative staff, external collaborators, and study participants.
• Maintain detailed log of participant payments.
• Adhere to guidelines regarding the sensitivity and confidential nature of patient information and data quality guidelines.
• Monitor data collection completion; troubleshoot difficulties that may arise with completing research data collection; and manage concerns/issues about study procedures.
• Input, organize, edit, and verify accuracy of data in databases; run data queries as requested and provide routine study status reports.
• Meet regularly with the study team to review overall progress.
• Exhibit high level of organization, time management skills, and ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, while being able to prioritize and establish/meet deadlines.
• Assist in preparing IRB and sponsor reports.
• Conduct literature reviews.
• Assist in drafting/editing/proofing key research findings as needed, and collaborate with project team on presentations, manuscripts and grants related to project data.
• Work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator, Co-Investigators, the Faculty Research Associate, and other staff to ensure successful completion of study-related tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Detail oriented, strong interpersonal skills and excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate with a wide variety of individuals including study participants, administrative personnel, faculty, experienced clinicians and physicians.
• Ability to execute assigned project tasks within an established schedule.
• Ability to work independently, and as a member of a team.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks simultaneously and quickly switch between priorities/tasks.
• Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing work environment, problem-solve, and think creatively.
• Awareness of the need for timely communication, ability to identify potential barriers and strategies, and ability to synthesize and integrate information.

• High School diploma or graduation equivalent.
• Two years related experience.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
• Proficient in Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.); additional computer skills including navigating the internet and websites.

• Required: All IRB-required courses, appropriate study related certifications/training must be completed within 2 weeks of start date.

• Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline.

• Experience with qualitative data collection methods (e.g., in-depth interviews, focus groups) and various qualitative data analytical approaches (e.g., thematic analysis, grounded theory).
• Experience with qualitative software (e.g., MAXQDA, NVivo).
• Strong computer and video/phone technology skills; knowledgeable about using database programs (such as REDCap) for data queries and producing routine reports.

Classified Title: Research Program Assistant II 
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC  
Starting Salary Range: $15.70 - $26.25 HRLY ($43,680 targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F; 8-4:30 
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: Hybrid/JH Prohealth Gwynn Oak 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM DOM General Internal Medicine  
Personnel area: School of Medicine