Department: The Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral Health
Rank: Research Assistant (Type B)
Annual Basis: 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins

Priority deadline May 1, 2024; position open until filled.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure consideration, complete applications must include the following along with the online application:
• A cover letter highlighting how your knowledge, skills, and experience quality you for the requirements, competencies, and if applicable, preferred qualifications outlined in the job announcement.
• A CV/resume of your professional work experience, education, and applicable certifications.

The online application includes the name and contact information of at least three professional references. The candidate will be notified prior to references being contacted.

Department Summary

The Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral Health at the University of Oregon Portland establishes a new national model for behavioral healthcare for children and families by creating the nation’s first undergraduate program in child behavioral health. The institute prioritizes the needs of youth who have been historically or persistently underserved and seeks to make real system change by: creating a new mental health profession that addresses existing barriers and gaps in mental health services, delivering supports in schools and the community, training existing youth-serving professionals, developing new approaches to support child behavioral health, and transforming the Pacific Northwest into a national model of thought and action. Launched in March 2022, this groundbreaking institute was made possible by an extraordinary gift from Connie and Steve Ballmer, co-founders of Ballmer Group Philanthropy. ​

Position Summary

The Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health at the University of Oregon is seeking applications for a full-time Research Assistant / Senior Research Assistant under the guidance of the Director of Program Evaluation, Dr. Prerna Martin.  

The Research Assistant / Senior Research Assistant will support all program evaluation efforts and will work with research investigators to implement large-scale research projects within the Institute. The Research Assistant will provide overall project management to oversee daily research operations including training and oversight of a team of undergraduate research assistants. The Research Assistant will also engage in a range of research & compliance activities including participant recruitment, scheduling, data collection, analysis, and management of IRB protocols.

The unit’s focus is on using implementation science methods to evaluate the impact of Ballmer's Undergraduate Child Behavioral Health Training Program. The use of these data will inform the ongoing development of the training program and assess its effectiveness in increasing access to behavioral health services for underserved youth and families.  

This position requires a highly motivated person with excellent organizational, research and communication skills. Travel to our partner community sites (e.g., schools) in Portland will be required each term. This position is located in Portland, OR and is eligible to work a hybrid schedule (approximately 2-3 days in person per week). The majority of interactions with the research team will take place via Zoom, email, and Microsoft Teams.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the rank of Research Assistant:
• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or related behavioral health field
• 2 years of relevant experience in a research environment, particularly with data collection for human subjects research. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

To be considered for the rank of Senior Research Assistant I:
• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or related behavioral health field
• 6 years of applicable work experience post degree

To be considered for the rank of Senior Research Assistant II:
• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or related behavioral health field
• 12 years of applicable work experience post degree

Professional Competencies

• Excellent organizational skills related to research project management and high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge of basic research methods and human subjects research.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, anticipate needs, prioritize multiple tasks, and follow through on tasks to completion.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds as well as to develop knowledge of and respect for those from a broad array of cultures and backgrounds.
• Proficiency with multiple forms of information technology, including web-based, word processing, data entry, managing electronic information, and database administration.
• Prior experience with survey data collection platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, RedCap), quantitative data software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R) and/or qualitative data software (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti, Dedoose).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a related field (e.g., psychology, public health, implementation science, prevention science).
• One or more years of experience managing research or grants on implementing child behavioral health programs in community settings.
• Prior experience in program evaluation for behavioral health programs.
• Experience with IRB documentation and submission.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report.