Job Summary:

The Research Specialist III should possess knowledge that will allow them to exercise independent judgment in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining qualitative research results. This includes conducting consultations with members on qualitative methods, creating data collection materials (e.g., interview guides), qualitative data collection (in both English and Spanish), analysis, and reporting. Acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new PRISM research projects and may provide guidance and oversee the activities of lower-level staff. Experienced in mixed-methods research focusing on participant reported data. Proven written and oral communication skills are essential.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Strong background in social and behavioral sciences with in-depth knowledge of qualitative research methods.
• Ability to support researchers in conducting qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Must be a technical expert in core specific technologies and applications used for quantitative and qualitative data collected from research participants.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective collaborative research relationships with others (core members, faculty, and staff) and to contribute to ongoing research projects requiring core facility support and communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
• Experience in an academic environment preferred, however equivalent industrial experience is acceptable.
• Works closely with PRISM Core Manager and Core Staff Scientists to expand and improve services.
• Experience in a customer-oriented service laboratory/core facility is desired.
• May represent the Core in some aspects of the research community including internal and external events/meetings.

Responsibilities:

• Exercises independent judgement in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation of criteria for obtaining research results.
• Demonstrates competence with training core staff and clients in qualitative research methods and applications. Independently completes regular PRISM-related activities and some administrative duties.
• Demonstrates ability to apply qualitative research concepts in broadly defined means with minimal guidance from senior staff.
• Performs assigned and unassigned duties to ensure a timely completion of projects from core clients.
• Assists senior core staff in the preparation and execution of presentations or workshops.
• Attends employee development and/or leadership development courses offered by OD or external resources. This includes courses, seminars and workshops related to core activities and qualitative research methods.

Credentials and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in core related field of study (Sociology, Anthropology, Public Health or other Population Science) is required with core specific advanced training and work experience, Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in science related work and/or post-graduate coursework.
• Minimum 3 years in core facility specific applications and at least 2 years of that in research-based technology (preferred in qualitative research methods including data collection and analysis in an academic or clinical setting).
• Strong computer and telephone skills required. Experience with NVivo analysis software preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish is preferred.
• Human Subjects Training, i.e., CITI is required.
• Work experience in multi-use core facility preferred.