Research Project Assistant II (Department of Mental Health)

Johns Hopkins University•Baltimore, MD

16d•$16 - $27•Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Project Assistant II supports the conduct of a research project through study-specific data collection and organization, which may include community outreach, participant interviews, sample collection, laboratory processing, and field work. The role also provides administrative support for meetings, events, communications, and reporting. Experienced research interviewers conduct lengthy face-to-face interviews and extensive cognitive assessments with adults in their mid-40s living in the community. They implement a complex data collection protocol under varying field conditions, including two separate visits to participants’ homes within a two-hour radius of the Johns Hopkins East Baltimore Campus. Interviewers trace participants last contacted 13 or more years ago, recruit and schedule participants, and conduct study visits according to approved protocol. They must pass certification to administer cognitive neuropsychological assessments and structured interviews within two attempts and use an Electronic Data Capture system daily. The position requires building rapport with people from diverse backgrounds, communicating effectively with the public and family gatekeepers, and protecting confidential data. Creative problem solving and perseverance are important when working in unpredictable environments. Frequent independent travel to participant locations is required. The position is hybrid and scheduled Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Requirements

High school diploma or graduation equivalent.
One year of related experience; additional education may substitute for required experience under the JHU equivalency formula.
Valid driver's license and reliable access to a vehicle for work-related travel.
Ability to independently fulfill frequent travel requirements to participant locations up to two hours from campus.
Ability to build rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds and work in unpredictable and varying field conditions.
Ability to communicate effectively with the public and family gatekeepers while maintaining data confidentiality.
Creative problem-solving ability and perseverance when facing challenges.
Ability to pass certification to administer cognitive neuropsychological assessments and structured interviews within two attempts.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Public Health, Psychology, or Sociology background, or related experience.
Accuracy, attention to detail, organization, and effective time management.
Proficiency with laptops, tablets, computers, and MS Office applications, or ability to learn quickly.
Prior experience handling confidential data or administering cognitive assessment measures.
Excellent communication skills and flexibility with study participants.
Ability to communicate effectively with the study team and willingness to engage in continuous skills development.

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 according to study requirements, including participant interviews, questionnaires, background research, and laboratory processing.
Process data by organizing records and study files.
Run basic analyses and prepare routine reports.
Perform literature searches, abstract data from literature, and index gathered data.
Provide administrative support for meetings, events, communications, and reporting.
Trace and locate participants who were last contacted 13 or more years ago.
Recruit and schedule participants and conduct study visits according to approved protocol.
Conduct lengthy face-to-face interviews and cognitive assessments during two home visits.
Pass certification to administer cognitive neuropsychological assessments and structured interviews within two attempts.
Use the Electronic Data Capture system daily.
Protect confidential data while communicating with participants, the public, family gatekeepers, and the study team.
Perform other duties as assigned.