The Environmental, Occupational Medicine & Epidemiology (EOME) Program in the Department of Environmental Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, seeks to investigate and prevent health risks associated with environmental and occupational hazards by conducting original research and outstanding professional education. The ultimate goal of our research is to provide scientific basis for prudent and responsible decisions in environmental, occupational, and health standards, and to inform and inspire clinical and public health practice.
The EOME Program has an opening for a Research Assistant to provide assistance on a Superfund community engagement research project focused on environmental and maternal/child health. The central mission of the Community Engagement Core (CEC) is to engage and partner with community members to understand their concerns and needs related to an overarching focus on early-life exposures to environmental metals and later-life cognitive health. The CEC will partner with two lower-income communities—one rural, located in the San Luis Valley, CO, and one urban, based at Dimock Community Health Center in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, MA—both affected by metals contamination but differing in local sources. We will specifically engage pregnant women, parents of younger children, and key stakeholders (i.e. healthcare providers, obstetricians, community health workers, and community partners) to address concerns surrounding the long-term health impacts of early-life metals exposures and later-life health.
Duties and responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to, the following:- Developing community partnerships with local organizations, including clinical, administrative, and medical staff as well as environmental and service organizations
- Assessing community needs surrounding environmental exposures and health disparities through active communication with community members and partners, as well as using qualitative and quantitative methodologies (such as through interviews and facilitated meetings)
- Developing environmental health literacy materials and resources, both online and in print, that address community concerns and research initiatives
- Assisting with the enrollment and tracking of study participants
- Organizing, facilitating and presenting at community meetings with members and stakeholders to obtain research-level data
- Conducting citizen science that involves working with community members to collect data and biological samples and developing materials to report back findings
- Implementing data collection procedures including data entry, as well as the processing, shipping and maintaining sample inventory documentation
- Maintaining all IRB documentation
- Providing logistical support for research study including ordering and maintaining supplies and equipment, database management, and developing participant recruitment materials
- Providing administrative support for the study including scheduling meetings and conference calls, preparing agendas, and taking and distributing meeting minutes
- Other duties as assigned
PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term end date of two years from date of hire, with the possibility for extension.
PLEASE NOTE: The finalist will be required to clear a Working With Minors background screen, in addition to the other required background screens.
PLEASE NOTE: Once normal business operations resume, this position may require local travel for purposes of meeting with Dimock co-investigators and community members.
PLEASE NOTE: The primary work location for this position is Boston, Massachusetts, although the interview process and work of this position will be conducted virtually in the coming months – including virtual interviews, remote onboarding, and remote work. The remote nature of this position is only temporary. Local, on-campus work will be required -- either once the School returns to an operational status that supports it, or slightly before (mid to late 2021). This department does have an on-campus lab and any eventual on-campus work will be conducted in accordance with approved COVID-related guidelines and protocols.
- Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
- This position has a 90 day orientation and review (O&R) period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.
- The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship for administrative and staff positions.
----------
The Harvard T.H. Chan of Public Health is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – including fostering respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. To learn more about the Chan School's mission, objectives, and core values, please visit our website here.
Harvard offers an outstanding benefits package including:- Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
- Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
- Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
- Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.
Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!
Salary Grade: 053
Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers |