Research Associate I - Department of Psychology

APU is seeking employees who desire to engage in our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is pleasing to God and edifying to one another.

The Research Associate will work on a project funded by DHCS and UCLA. The Research Associate will provide programmatic and research support to the Youth DHCS Project for UCLA ISAP. The Research Associate will prepare and submit applications and related documents to OPRS for IRB approvals. The Research Associate will oversee the coordination of the California Science to Service Academy (CSSA) field work conducted at 5-10 pilot sites across California who are engaging in community-defined prevention, early intervention and mental health practices targeting adolescents, youth, and young adults. The Research Associate will support the preparation of measurement and evaluation tools and approaches used to identify promising and innovative prevention practices within programs serving California’s diverse population of at-risk youth. The Research Associate will coordinate communication with community-based pilot providers, collect qualitative, survey, and observational data, and prepare it for analysis. The Research Associate will work with Project Leads to analyze data using thematic analysis and prepare regular reports for funders. The Research Associate will also coordinate any research dissemination, technology transfer, educational, and technical assistance activities. This includes data collection of participant demographic information, participant satisfaction, and knowledge gained by participating in research dissemination activities. The Research Associate will create and manage site and participant tracking databases and oversee all aspects of coordination. The Research Associate will support technical needs of the project including gathering and preparing content for website and repository and will help make preliminary evaluations of existing evidence-based prevention interventions. The Research Associate will utilize skills in written and verbal communication, knowledge of behavioral health prevention and treatment fields, and inter-professional skills in working with multiple team members and other project liaisons or stakeholders in a professional manner. This position reports to the Project Director/Principal Investigator. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued grant funding.

Required Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences or related field.
• Master’s Degree in Social Sciences or closely related field preferred.
  
  

Required Experience

• One to two years of experience in the substance use/mental health field.
• One to two years of experience working as part of a social science research team.
  
  

Primary Duties/Essential Functions

• Prepare and submit applications and related documents to OPRS for IRB approvals.
• Oversee the coordination of the California Science to Service Academy (CSSA) field work conducted at 5-10 pilot sites across California who are engaging in community-defined prevention, early intervention and mental health practices targeting adolescents, youth, and young adults.
• Support the preparation of measurement and evaluation tools and approaches used to identify promising and innovative prevention practices within programs serving California’s diverse population of at-risk youth.
• Coordinate communication with community-based pilot providers, collect qualitative, survey, and observational data, and prepare it for analysis.
• Work with Project Leads to analyze data using thematic analysis and prepare regular reports for funders.
• Coordinate any research dissemination, technology transfer, educational, and technical assistance activities.
• Create and manage site and participant tracking databases and oversee all aspects of coordination.
• Support technical needs of the project including gathering and preparing content for website and repository and will help make preliminary evaluations of existing evidence-based prevention interventions.
• Regular, punctual attendance as required by the supervisor based on department needs.
• Performing other duties related to the position as requested by the supervisor.
  
  

Skills

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, with project team, consultants, and other project stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with project team, pilot site staff and liaisons, and other project stakeholders.
• Organizational skills for assisting with project material (meeting agendas, minutes).
• Skill in conducting literature reviews and writing up reports.
• Skill in data entry and analysis, including developing tables and figures.
• Skill in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Google Apps for presentations, reports and conferences.
• Driver’s license and transportation for site visits and local meetings.
• Willingness to travel to collaborating treatment sites throughout Southern California.
• Willingness to work occasional evening hours.
• Ability to manage details and follow through.
• Must be collaborative and an effective team member and team builder.
  
  

Mental Demands

• In agreement with the purpose and goals of Azusa Pacific University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students.
• Ability to integrate Christian values in all aspects.
• Ability to engage in critical thinking and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information.
• Ability to collaborate with other faculty and staff and maintain collegial relations.
• Self-starter, ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form.
  
  

Physical Demands

• Requires repetitive motion and sitting at a computer keyboard.
• Hearing and speaking on the telephone.
• Meetings may require walking and/or driving to various University locations.
• Ability to pull, push, bend, grasp, reach and lift up to 20 lbs.
• Must be able to climb stairs multiple times in a work day.
  
  

Visual Demands

• Computer monitor and reading.
  
  

Environment

• Pleasant office, comfortable temperatures.
  
  

Technologies

• Proficient in Google Apps (e.g., Google Drive), Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, Adobe, and Qualtrics, SPSS, JMP.
  
  

Compensation

• Grade 8: $21.44 to $24.66 is the hourly compensation for this role and reflects what Azusa Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, APU offers a competitive benefits package.
  
  

Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation. Please click the links to learn more about 'what we believe', our 'mission statement', and our 'statement of faith'.

You can learn more about APU by watching the stories of faculty, staff, and alumni as they carry out our mission here: http://www.apu.edu/stories/

Azusa Pacific University will conduct a background check on all final candidates.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled unless otherwise stated. Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Required Skills

Required Experience