Appalachian Tobacco Regulatory Science Team (AppalTRuST): Field Engagement Research Coordinator

Rate Range: $26.45-$31.25

FTE%: 60%-100%

PIRE is an independent, nonprofit organization merging scientific knowledge and proven practice to create solutions that improve the health, safety and well-being of individuals, communities, and nations around the world. We have excellent health coverage, retirement opportunities and flexible work arrangements available to support our nationally recognized institution of independent scientists and research staff.

PIRE has partnered with the University of Kentucky (UK) on AppalTRuST, a project that will collect longitudinal survey data to evaluate the impact of current and future federal regulations on tobacco use and marketing in Appalachian Kentucky. Over the next four years, the project will enroll 2,000 participants 18 and older across 8 counties: Perry, Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Boyd, Greenup, and Carter. PIRE and UK are making a long-term commitment to these counties by hiring project staff who live in these counties and who have familiarity with local culture, practices, and perspectives.

To help make this project successful, PIRE is looking for outgoing, personable, and highly organized individuals who will coordinate the implementation of research activities for AppalTRuST. Research activities for Field Engagement Research Coordinators include:

• engaging with community organizations and residents to inform them of the study (through phone call or text, online, or in-person)
• recruiting, consenting, and enrolling participants
• collecting baseline and six-month follow-up data from participants
• conducting store audits to examine product availability and marketing in tobacco and vaping product retail environments
• implementing research protocols with high quality control
• training and monitoring research assistants leading data collection efforts
• traveling to assigned locations within their designated county (counties) each week to recruit participant and collect data

This position will support the Principal Investigator and senior project staff for PIRE and collaborate closely with Principal Investigators and project staff for UK.

Ideal applicants will be very familiar with the counties in which they will engage, recruit, and retain participants, including local organizations, communities, and cultures across the county. Applicants will be expected to help recruit, engage, and help collect data from individuals of all ages across the community, and should feel comfortable engaging with adult populations (18 years old and over) who have been typically overlooked in research and those from all walks of life in a non-judgmental or stigmatizing way. Applicants should be able to think on their feet, feel comfortable asking questions as needed, take guidance, and incorporate feedback well, work well with others, manage conflict, and take initiative when required.

Applicants must be able to synthesize large amounts of information (including research protocols, data management protocols, and tobacco products) coherently, as well as have excellent verbal/written communication, organization, and presentation skills. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and writing sample.

This benefit-eligible position will be based in one of the counties listed above, and formally a part of PIRE’s Kentucky Center.

Benefits Overview:

• 3.5-7 weeks of accrued PTO during the first year
• Company provided Retirement Plan
• Company provided Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment of $100k
• Company provided Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Medical, Dental and Vision coverage

• Bachelor’s degree and 1-2 years’ experience or 5 or more years related work experience
• Excellent communication skills/phone skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, & PowerPoint
• Experience living in and/or working in or near the study counties: Perry, Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Boyd, Greenup, and Carter
• Valid driver's license, access to reliable personal transportation, and current automobile insurance (mileage reimbursed)

Preference given to applicants with:

• Previous project coordination/research experience and field data collection
• Previous or current involvement in community organizing / engagement

• Coordinate and implement research activities, including recruitment and data collection for our AppalTRuST Survey as well as for assessments of tobacco retail environments
• Follow research protocols closely and conduct ongoing quality assurance
• Track survey completion, incentives, and response rates
• Accurately collect data with high level of detail orientation in natural settings (i.e., at tobacco retailers) using data collection protocols
• Engage and educate diverse community leaders, partners, and decision makers on the AppalTRuST project
• Manage project deadlines and deliverables
• Coordinate regularly with and help monitor and train local staff
• Work closely with project leadership and team members to ensure data collection is on schedule, that research protocols are being maintained, and that continuous quality improvement occurs, etc.