Research Associate (Ehe)

Heluna Health invites applicants to apply for the position of Research Associate supporting Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) project. The EHE project seeks to reduce HIV transmission, increase linkages to care, increase pre-exposure prophylaxis program (PrEP) enrollment for high priority populations, and respond to HIV outbreaks as quickly and efficiently as possible. This position will work in the Research and Evaluation group, which was established to help evaluate program impact and pursue scientific research projects in support of Heluna Health’s mission to enhance the health, wellness and resilience of every community we serve.

The Research Associate will lead a study of client recruitment challenges among underserved populations and develop potential solutions to support the implementation and scale up of the EHE Priority Populations initiative. The Research Associate will work closely with the team implementing and evaluating an intervention program aimed to increase treatment adherence among high priority populations in Los Angeles County. Responsibilities will include drafting qualitative data collection tools (interview guides), acting as a liaison with community-based organizations and/or patient advocacy groups, conducting in-depth interviews with key informants, coding and analyzing qualitative interview data, conducting a literature review, contributing to progress reports and data dissemination publications, and other administrative tasks as needed. The Research Associate keeps records of study progress including participant enrollment in the study, interview completion statistics, and documentation of qualitative analysis progress. The Research Associate works under general supervision of the Associate Research Scientist, works closely with the Public Health Evaluation Program Coordinator and other Research Assistants, and collaborates with other team members and groups.

This position requires experience with qualitative research analysis and software, Spanish language fluency, and knowledge of the principles of public health practice and research, including following data confidentiality requirements. The position also requires humility, tact, and skill in working with marginalized communities and vulnerable populations. The Research Associate is responsible for ensuring that work is completed in a timely manner, that documents are organized and detailed records are kept, works independently as well as collaboratively, meets reasonable deadlines, balances priorities adeptly, and applies judgement to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences.

This position is based in the Los Angeles, CA area, with the possibility of a hybrid work schedule. Duties include meeting with the external collaborators to conduct training and troubleshooting as it relates to the program evaluation project. 

This is a part-time (20-24 hours/week), benefitted, grant-funded position with anticipated funding up to February 2025. 

If you are hired, we will require you to prove that you have received the COVID-19 vaccine and proof of negative TB test or have a valid religious or medical reason not to be vaccinated.

The pay rate for this position is $40 - $45 per hour, commensurate with experience. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Designs the approach for the qualitative study, adhering to rigorous scientific methods.
• Collects qualitative data through in-depth interviews with EHE priority populations, i.e., people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), primarily Black/African American and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) and youth (people ages 18-30 years).
• Collaborates with community partners and leads meetings and interviews with key informants.
• Designs and conducts the analysis of qualitative data, including developing coding and analysis schemes, coding data using appropriate software, conducting data quality assurance, keeping data documentation, and providing summaries of the results.
• Conducts a literature review to inform the research project.
• Writes reports, briefings, and presentations to report progress and findings.
• Applies knowledge of public health methodologies and cultural humility in working with vulnerable populations.
• Oversees the IRB application process and adheres to the study protocols.
• Maintains organized files, including participant tracking, data documentation and code documentation.
• Completes various administrative duties such as scheduling interviews and meetings pertinent to the program activities, keeping track of equipment used in the field, and coordinates logistics needed to implement the project. 
• Attends meetings relevant to program needs and collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Other duties, as assigned. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate has experience leading qualitative research projects, is proficient in qualitative analysis procedures, is passionate about working with vulnerable populations, has experience working with protected health information and maintaining confidentiality, enjoys public health research and/or program evaluation, shows creativity and resourcefulness in implementing projects, and demonstrates clear thinking through written and verbal communication. A successful candidate is one who consistently produces quality work, works independently, and maintains strong collaborations with internal and external partners. Specific job qualifications and desirable skills are detailed below. 

Education/Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree with a focus in public health, psychology, health science, biology, anthropology, sociology, or related discipline. 
• At least 3 years of work experience in research, public health practice, or other health-related setting.
• A Master’s degree in public health or related discipline (MPH or MS) is preferred 

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances 

• A valid California driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation that you are willing and able to use for work-related local travel (e.g., traveling to sites within Los Angeles County). Mileage reimbursement is available.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience leading and conducting qualitative research studies or evaluations, including primary data collection through interviews.
• Proficiency using common qualitative data analysis software (e.g., Atlas.ti, NVIVO, Dedoose) to code and analyze qualitative data.
• Experience with implementing informed consent process, following written instructions and research protocols, and managing IRB applications, modifications, and amendments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage timelines and deliverables.
• Ability to speak, read, and write Spanish at a proficiency level to be able to translate research questionnaires and conduct interviews.
• Demonstrated competency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Communication skills: Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication, in English. Presents information and responds to questions from a wide variety of audiences, including managers, clients, consultants, customers, employees and the general public. Exhibits good listening and comprehension skills, follows instructions and responds to management direction.
• Interpersonal skills: Works independently and as a member of a team. Keeps supervisors and co-workers informed and maintains positive work atmosphere by communicating in a manner that promotes understanding and cooperation with collaborators.
• Approach to work: Displays outstanding attention to detail and ensures accountability with appropriate follow-up. Displays resourcefulness, eagerness to learn, and willingness to ask questions to ensure understanding. Follows policies and procedures and supports the organization’s goals and values. Maintains organized files and records.

Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Experience working with Black/African American, Latinx, transgender, and/or other marginalized communities.
• Experience developing research protocols or evaluation plans for qualitative studies

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand: Frequently

Walk: Frequently

Sit: Frequently

Handling / Fingering: Frequently

Reach Outward: Occasionally

Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally

Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 10 lbs

Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 10 lbs

See: Constantly

Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable

Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions

Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently = (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly = (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

General office setting with hybrid (home-based) remote option.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.