Research Associate, Phila. Health Management Corp.

Posted by on February 28, 2003

POSITION AVAILABLE
Research Associate
Philadelphia Health Management Corporation

RESPONSIBILITIES
PHMC is seeking a Research Associate to work full-time on a new research
study. The focus of this national study is to investigate the factors that are
contributing to the disparately high rates of HIV infection among Black men who
have sex with men (MSM). During the first phase of the study, the Research
Associate will work along with the study team collect and analyze qualitative data (focus groups, in-depth interviews, community ethnography). In addition, the Research Associate will work with the multi-site team to use these results to design a quantitative instrument. In the second phase of the study, the Research Associate will work with the interviewers to maintain the quality of the data collected in the quantitative survey and will assist with data analysis plans.

Because of the specialized focus of this study — Black men who have sex with men – we are seeking a candidate who is highly familiar with this community of men. The ideal candidate will have experience in public health research, including
qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
During the first phase of the project, responsibilities will include:
*Assisting with planning, development, and implementation of focus groups with
Black MSM. This will include facilitating focus groups, assisting with review
and coding of transcribed focus groups and report writing.
*Conducting in-depth, qualitative interviews with members of the Black MSM
community, including gay-identified and non-gay-identified men.
*Assisting with data coding and analysis of focus group and interview results.
*Conducting community mapping activities and ethnographic observation. Identify locales and mechanisms by which Black MSM can be recruited for the second phase of the study, including community venues, religious settings, social groups, internet sites, public and private events, etc.
*Participating in meetings and conference calls with researchers from other
project sites to ensure that project protocols are being followed and to share and coordinate findings from each site.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED

*Knowledge of public health research, including developing research questions
and protocols is required.
*Experience in qualitative research methods required. We seek a candidate
with experience in group facilitation, leading focus groups, conducting surveys
or interviews, and/or analyzing information gathered from these methods.
*Quantitative research skills desired, including data collection, data coding,
and statistical analysis.
*Outstanding verbal communication skills required. Must be able to interface
with many different types of people, including community leaders and service
providers. Must be culturally sensitive to the concerns of Black MSM who will
be the focus of this project.
*Outstanding written communication skills required.
*Computer proficiency required.
*Strong knowledge of Black MSM community required.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
MA/MS degree in African American studies, sociology, public health, social work,
psychology, health education, or a related health and human service field.

Send resume and cover letter to:
Jennifer L. Lauby
Philadelphia Health Management Corporation
260 South Broad Street, 18th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102-5085