STEPS Research Technician II Sanford School of Public policy

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

FULLY GRANT FUNDED

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN II

This is a full-time position supporting a longitudinal survey of adolescents and their parents.

Description of study

The goal of this research project is to understand how wealth and other economic factors relate to adolescent mental health. The project, known as STEPS (Study of Teen Experience that Promote Success), is a longitudinal survey of 750 adolescent-parent pairs. Each adolescent and parent fill out a survey every six months, and complete information related to their wealth, income, and other economic factors, adolescent mental health and behavior, and family practices and routines. The STEPS study will collect data from a racially and ethnically diverse sample. The study is recruiting families in the Raleigh-Durham metro area as well as in Pittsburgh, PA.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct outreach efforts with local community organizations to enroll families. Coordinate outreach efforts with STEPS staff. (8%)
• Maintain databases related to survey participation, including records related to both participants and community partners (8%)
• Coordinate research activities and database issues with project managers and staff in Pittsburgh (10%).
• Coordinate and participate in a variety of duties to assist investigators in the implementation of the research study (8%)
• Screen, recruit, and obtain informed consent from families in English to participate in the study at various time points (5'%).
• Participate in scheduling family interviews in English via email, phone, or text (5%)
• Complete interview data entry via tablet or computer and appropriately manage data transfer when required (5%)
• Contribute to the ongoing collection of administrative records and the writing of project technical reports, as needed (8%).
• Write and disseminate monthly newsletter to participants (3'%).
• Analyze and interpret data and contribute to writing of scholarly articles (15%).
• Direct and manage STEPS staff at the Durham site. Duties include organizing weekly meetings, coordinating staff calendars, and trou
• Engage directly with project leadership regarding project deliverables, continuous quality improvement efforts, etc. (5%)
• Provide workshops and other information to community organizations regarding teen mental health (3%).
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein (2%).

EDUCATION/TRAINING

• Work requires knowledge of basic mathematics, data collection, and research principles normally acquired through a bachelor’s degree.

EXPERIENCE

Work requires one-year research or clerical experience to be familiar with the basic techniques and forms used to compile and store information in a manual or computerized research data file.

OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATON AND/OR EXPERIENC

In addition the successful candidate will possess the following qualities/attributes:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in psychology, public health, public policy, health policy, or a related field is required.
• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team.
• Strong interest in learning about best practices in early childhood development.
• Knowledge in SAS, SPSS, STATA or other statistical software preferred.
• Local travel possible and reliable transportation required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be available to work some nights and weekends.
• Must be comfortable working with parents and children.
• Must be willing to collaborate with other staff members and be readily accessible to communicate with other team members both during and outside of regular work hours.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in psychology, public health, public policy, health policy, or a related field is required.
• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team.
• Strong interest in learning about best practices in early childhood development.
• Knowledge in SAS, SPSS, STATA, R or other statistical software preferred.
• Local travel possible and reliable transportation required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be available to work some nights and weekends.
• Must be comfortable working with parents and children.
• Must be willing to collaborate with other staff members and be readily accessible to communicate with other team members both during and outside of regular work hours.

Anticipated Pay Range

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $18.69 to USD $28.28. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Total Compensation

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: Duke University Benefits.

Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Education

Work generally requires a bachelor's degree in a field related to the specific position.

Experience

None required above education/training requirements. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.