Policy Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title
Research Associate I
Shift Type
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Location
Kentucky US Counties: Perry Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Boyd, Greenup, and Carter - US (Primary)
Career Level
Experienced (Non-Manager)
Category
Research
Job Type
Full-time and Part-time
Travel
70 - 80%
PIRE has a significant national presence in the area of applied science, with funded research projects at its centers on prevention, treatment, and policy research. PIRE scientists and practitioners continually focus on the design and implementation of complex program evaluation strategies and the conduct of research related to health and social issues, and criminal justice. PIRE practitioners and scientists provide training and technical assistance in many health-related areas to states and communities that are attempting to improve public health. For more information about PIRE go to www.PIRE.org .
Position Summary
PIRE is an independent, nonprofit organization merging scientific knowledge and proven practice to create solutions that improve the health, safety and well-being of individuals, communities, and nations around the world. We have excellent health coverage, retirement opportunities and flexible work arrangements available to support our nationally recognized institution of independent scientists and research staff.
PIRE has partnered with the University of Kentucky (UK) onthe Appalachian Tobacco Regulatory Science Team (AppalTRuST), a project that will collect longitudinal survey data to study the impact of current and future federal regulations on tobacco use and marketing in Appalachian Kentucky. Over the next two years, the project will continue to recruit and enroll 2,000 participants, 18 years and older, across 8 Kentucky counties: Perry, Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Boyd, Greenup, and Carter. PIRE and UK are making a long-term commitment to these counties by hiring project staff who live in these counties and who have familiarity with local culture, practices, and perspectives.
To help make this project successful, PIRE is looking for 1-2 outgoing, personable, independent and highly organized individual who will enroll study participants and conduct research activities for AppalTRuST. Applicants must be willing to travel 2-3 days a week, including some evenings and weekends (travel expenses will be reimbursed). The hourly rate for this 60-100% FTE, benefit eligible position is between $21.50 to $26.45, dependent on experience.
Example research activities include:

• engaging with community organizations and residents to inform them of the study (through phone call or text, online, and in-person)
• recruiting, consenting, and enrolling participants
• collecting baseline and six-month follow-up data from participants
• traveling to assigned locations within their designated county (counties) each week to recruit participants and collect data (2-3 days a week, occasional evenings and weekends)
• conducting store audits
• delivering research materials to participants

This position will support the PIRE Principal Investigator and senior project staff and collaborate closely with Principal Investigators and project staff at UK.
Ideal applicants will live in one of these 8 counties and be very familiar with the counties in which they will engage, recruit, and retain participants, including knowledge and relationships with local organizations, communities, and cultures across the county. Applicants will be expected to recruit, engage, and collect data from individuals of all ages across the community, and should feel comfortable directly engaging with diverse adult populations (18 years old and over) who have been typically overlooked in research in a non-judgmental or stigmatizing way. Applicants should be able to think on their feet, feel comfortable asking questions as needed, take guidance, and incorporate feedback well, work as part of a team, manage conflict, and take initiative when required.
Applicants must be able to synthesize large amounts of information (including research protocols, data management protocols, and tobacco products) coherently, as well as have excellent verbal/written communication, organization, and presentation skills. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and resume/CV.
This benefit-eligible position will be based in one of the 8 counties listed above, and formally a part of PIRE's Kentucky Center.
Benefits Overview:

• 3.5-7 weeks of accrued PTO during the first year
• Company provided Retirement Plan
• Company provided Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment of $100k
• Company provided Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Medical, Dental and Vision coverage

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 1-2 years' experience, or 5 or more years related work experience
• Excellent communication skills/phone skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, & PowerPoint
• Experience living in and/or working in or near the study counties: Perry, Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Boyd, Greenup, and Carter
• Valid driver's license, access to reliable personal transportation, and current automobile insurance (mileage reimbursed) for required travel within Kentucky

Preference given to applicants with:

• Applicants living in Perry, Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Boyd, Greenup, or Carter County in Kentucky
• Previous research experience and field data collection
• Previous or current involvement in community organizing/engagement

Some Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement research activities, including recruitment and data collection for AppalTRuST
• Follow research protocols closely and conduct ongoing quality assurance
• Track survey completion, participant incentives, and response rates
• Accurately collect data with a high level of detail in natural settings (i.e., at tobacco retailers) using established data collection protocols
• Engage and educate diverse community leaders, partners, and decision makers on the AppalTRuST project
• Manage project work to meet established deadlines and deliverables
• Maintain project files and data on shared drives (Sharepoint and Microsoft Teams)
• Work closely with project leadership and team members across the state to ensure data collection is on schedule, that research protocols are being maintained, and that continuous quality improvement occurs.

Exemption Type
Non-Exempt
PIRE is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer
PIRE is a diverse community devoted to the promotion and acceptance of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, gender, physical ability, or veteran status. PIRE is committed to employ, and advance in employment, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, and to treat qualified individuals without discrimination on the basis of their physical or mental disability or veteran status.
PIRE's EEO/Affirmative Action Policy
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
PIRE will provide reasonable accommodations with the application process upon your request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please contact Human Resources by email at: hr@pire.org
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