Field Researcher, Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use

City of New York • Long Island City, NY

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use (BADU) works to reduce morbidity and mortality related to alcohol and substance use among New Yorkers through treatment, recovery and support services; policy development; epidemiology and surveillance; harm reduction; outreach and education; and community and interagency collaboration. Its Office of Research, Surveillance, Policy and Communications monitors alcohol- and drug-related health outcomes, studies the unregulated drug supply, evaluates programs, and leads community engagement and communications efforts.

The Field Researcher conducts analyses and field-based research as part of rapid investigations into emerging drug issues. The role contributes to investigation planning, develops relationships with community stakeholders, prepares findings for distribution, supports community-based health responses, and supervises and mentors field staff. The position is listed under the City Research Scientist title and is subject to a minimum one-year probationary period.

Requirements

• For Assignment Level I in the listed fields, a master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, or environmental science, or public health.
• For Assignment Level II and above, one of the stated combinations of doctorate or master's education and relevant research, supervisory, or administrative experience, or equivalent education and experience. Candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field and at least two years of the specified research experience; two years as a City Research Scientist Level I may substitute for the experience requirement.
• Appointments are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish language skills.
• Experience conducting field-based research, including qualitative interviews and/or surveys.
• Proficiency with qualitative data analysis software such as Dedoose, Atlas.ti, or NVivo.
• Familiarity with SPSS, SAS, or other statistical analysis software.
• Graduate-level experience in research methods.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses of data collected through rapid assessments.
• Conduct field-based activities for rapid investigations into emerging drug issues, including field observations, semi-structured and in-depth interviews, surveys, and medical file review.
• Summarize findings and prepare reports and publications for internal and external distribution.
• Contribute to investigation planning and design, including selecting methods, recruitment strategies, and analytic plans.
• Build relationships with community stakeholders and key informants.
• Assist with developing and executing community-based responses, including neighborhood-specific educational materials and fact sheets, naloxone and opioid overdose prevention materials, and other health-related strategies informed by research.
• Supervise and mentor Field Responders and/or Field Research Associates.

Benefits

• Potential eligibility for federal or state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs.
• Premium-free health insurance plan.
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available depending on the position's associated union or benefit fund.
• Public sector defined benefit pension plan.
• Tax-deferred savings program.
• Worksite Wellness Program.
• Depending on the position, the option to work from home up to two days during the week.
• Job security compared to private sector employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level