Research Assistant

Portland VA Research Foundation

Scientific Resource Center

Reports to: SRC Program Manager

Job title: SRC & STEM Research Assistant

FTE: 1.0, Exempt

Work Type: Hybrid

Salary Range: $39,000-$55,000

SUMMARY

The Research Assistant will be split 50/50 between two research teams within the Portland VA Research Foundation. At the Scientific Resource Center, the Research Assistant (RA) will perform a variety of essential organizational and technical functions supporting AHRQ's topic nomination, development, and selection process (see https://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/evidence-based-reports/topic-nomination/index.html). Daily duties will include communication with the AHRQ Medical Officer, processing incoming topic nominations, overseeing the operational workflow, scheduling internal and external meetings with individuals and groups, notetaking, managing shared email account, and managing the electronic file structure. At the Systematic Testing of Evidence on Marijuana (STEM) team, the Research Assistant will provide research support across a collection of projects including the development and maintenance of living systematic reviews and primary research studies.

The ideal candidate for this position will be detail-oriented, organized, proactive, flexible, and have a sharp eye for adhering to formatting and content requirements. A background in research and familiarity with health or medical language is preferred. A high level of independence, critical thinking, and teamwork is required.

JOB DUTIES

Provide research support to the Systematic Testing of Evidence in Marijuana (STEM) team (50%)

• Collaborate with team members on outreach/networking activities, updates to website, grant applications, and any other STEM projects
• Support the development and maintenance of living systematic reviews (LSRs)
• Collaborate with partners to coordinate research studies (qualitative interview study, survey studies, etc.)
• Social media outreach

Develop Topic Nominations for EPC Program Reviews (50%)

• Manage communication in the topic development shared email
• Copy edit and prepare final deliverables ensuring compliance with AHRQ guidelines
• Assist with the writing and formatting of evidence products
• Develop and maintain procedures manuals and templates to ensure replicable standards of operation
• Build and maintain Endnote libraries
• Search for full text articles and inter-library loan requests
• Develop databases to track article selection
• Prepare appendices, figures/visual diagrams, and table
• Assist with queries, data entry, and other tasks as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, behavioral sciences, public health, epidemiology, health policy, health services, or related field
• 1 year of experience working in academic/research environment
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications (primarily Word and Excel)
• Ability to write and communicate effectively
• Ability to work independently
• Exceptional organizational skills with proven ability to prioritize competing priorities, follow through on tasks and meet deliverables
• Ability to verbally present scientific and technical information succinctly and clearly
• High degree of initiative and flexibility

Preferred

• Master's degree in social sciences, behavioral sciences, public health, epidemiology, health policy, health services, or related field
• 2-4 years of experience working in academic/research environment
• 1-2 years of preparing manuscripts, including editing, citation management, and formatting of tables and figures
• Proficient with reference management software such as EndNote
• Research experience in reviewing scientific literature

LOCATION and ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Primary job location is located on the VA Portland Health Care System campus. The position will be primarily remote after an introductory period.
• New employees must submit COVID-19 vaccination documentation or seek an exemption within 8 weeks of beginning employment.

Portland VA Research Foundation is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status such as race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, or age.

Apply online at http://www.pvarf.org

To be considered for this position, you must:

1. Submit a cover letter describing why your skills and experience are applicable to the position, and why you are interested in this work. Submissions without a cover letter will not be considered.
2. Submit a Resume or CV.
3. Provide 3 references.