Qualitative Research Assistant - CHASM Department

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The Department of Community Health and Social Medicine at the CUNY School of Medicine seeks a part-time Qualitative Research Assistant to support Our Stories, Our Bodies, Our Safety, a community-engaged research study led by Dr. Brianna A. Baker.

This funded study examines how neighborhood safety, community violence, structural conditions, and social experiences shape the mental health and well-being of Black women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Using survey and qualitative interview methods, the project aims to center Black women's lived experiences and identify opportunities to inform culturally responsive interventions, community programs, and policies that advance maternal mental health equity.

The Qualitative Research Assistant will support participant recruitment, qualitative data collection, interview coordination, and research operations under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with recruitment and outreach to eligible study participants through approved community-based recruitment strategies.
• Support participant screening, scheduling, communication, and follow-up in accordance with IRB-approved procedures.
• Conduct or assist with semi-structured qualitative interviews exploring maternal mental health, neighborhood safety, community experiences, and sources of resilience.
• Support the preparation, organization, and management of qualitative interview materials, including audio recordings and transcripts.
• Assist with transcript review, de-identification, qualitative coding, and preliminary thematic analysis.
• Maintain accurate and confidential research records using approved data management systems.
• Participate in research team meetings, training sessions, and project coordination activities.
• Support the preparation of research summaries, reports, presentations, and other study deliverables as needed.
• Follow all applicable research ethics, participant confidentiality, and institutional review board requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current enrollment in or completion of a bachelor's degree in psychology, public health, sociology, social work, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated interest in maternal health, mental health, health equity, or community-engaged research.
• Ability to engage respectfully and sensitively with participants discussing potentially difficult or traumatic experiences.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to research protocols.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with qualitative interviewing, community-based research, or participant recruitment.
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods, thematic analysis, or qualitative data management software.
• Experience working with Black women, pregnant or postpartum populations, or historically underserved communities.
• Familiarity with REDCap or other research data collection systems.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally responsive research practices.

Supervision and Work Arrangement

The Research Assistant will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Brianna A. Baker, Principal Investigator, and collaborate with other study personnel. The position is part-time, with hours and appointment duration determined by project needs and available grant funding.

All research activities must comply with CUNY School of Medicine policies, Research Foundation of CUNY requirements, and the approved study protocol.

Pay Range:

Minimum - Maximum: $20.00/hour

RFCUNY Benefits
RFCUNY Employee Benefits and Accruals

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.