Research Assistant I - Suicide CRP Initiative

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Assistant I to support the Suicide Care, Prevention, and Research (CPR) Initiative in the Medical and Clinical Psychology (MPS) department within the Uniformed Services University (USU) in Bethesda, Maryland. This position is located at the Suicide CPR Initiative office in Rockville, Maryland (HJF Headquarters Building) and the incumbent will be expected to work a hybrid schedule, on-site 3 days per week.

The Research Assistant I will serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team and examine topics pertaining to military mental health and suicide prevention. One primary function of the Research Associate I will be to review and code records belonging to military suicide decedents and contribute to the preparation of executive summaries and timelines for each record. The ideal candidate will have prior military experience and/or prior research experience with military populations.

This position will be in support of the Suicide CPR Initiative, previously known as the Laboratory for the Treatment of Suicide-Related Ideation and Behavior, which was established in 2006. Dr. Holloway, the Director of the Suicide CPR Initiative, is a clinical psychologist and an intervention scientist who is primarily interested in developing and empirically evaluating novel interventions for suicide risk reduction. The Suicide CPR Initiative is strategically in a unique position to focus on the problem of military suicide, given its origins at USU and its established partnerships with the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs, as well as national and international collaborators and stakeholders. Overall, the mission of the Suicide CPR Initiative is threefold: CARE: To develop effective interventions targeted at reducing suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors; PREVENTION: To save lives through education, intervention, science, and advocacy; RESEARCH: To advance suicide intervention science and practice.

This is a 1-year position, with the possibility of extension given funding availability and the ongoing needs of the program.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Supports the planning and implementation of multiple suicide prevention research studies while maintaining compliance with established standard operating procedures under supervision.
• Conducts research in collaboration with investigators and other staff; applies quality control measures as outlined/required by the protocol; contributes to the collection and organization of data; performs basic data entry and coding.
• Serves as a coder for military suicide death reviews, and contributes to the preparation of written executive summaries and timelines for each record; makes detailed observations regarding military suicide decedent records.
• Conducts scientific literature searches using Pubmed, PsychInfo, or other databases; summarizes and references relevant articles.
• Performs administrative duties such as: developing protocol manuals and data collection instruments; maintaining study database and files; maintaining research project records.
• Assists with the preparation of manuscripts, reports, and presentations including editing and formatting documents.
• Serves as a member of a multidisciplinary team; participates in regular meetings with other lab staff, graduate students, and collaborators.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

• Bachelor's Degree. Preference for degrees in social sciences or related fields.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required

• Prior experience in a research environment, as well as an interest in suicide prevention research.
• Prior military service and/or experience working within military settings highly preferred.
• General understanding of clinical research and related scientific principles and procedures required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to multitask effectively and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check

• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

• This position will take place primarily in an office setting.

• The hourly rate for this position is $18.25 - $21.63. Actual hourly rate will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.