Research Project Assistant

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the AASTEC Deputy Director, the Research Project Assistant will support Indigenous healthy home activities at the Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology Center (AASTEC), with an emphasis on initiatives aligned with AAIHB’s National Institutes of Health Indigenous Healthy Homes & Healthy Communities (IHHC) research project award.  The overarching goal of this project is to build and strengthen the research capacity within AAIHB and the tribes we serve to generate knowledge and improve outcomes related to home indoor radon exposure, asthma triggers, and potential stress measures.  

PREFERENCE                         

Qualified American Indian applicants will be given preference.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with team members to implement IHHC project activities. 
• Conduct routine communications and participate in meetings with tribal and external partners. 
• Coordinate and provide logistic support for project-sponsored trainings and convenings. 
• Support the establishment and sustainment of a multi-sectoral Healthy Tribal Homes Coalition. 
• Contribute to the development and dissemination of culturally centered communications products. 
• Support and leverage partnerships for IHHC research project activities.  
• Collaborate with IHHC team members and tribal partners to assist with planning research project activities.  
• Support project design to improve access and quality of AI/AN data on healthy homes principles.   
• Assist with data collection, entry, management, and analysis. 
• support with program evaluation and reporting activities. 
• Provide public health technical support to the 27 Tribes in the service area. 
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with Tribal leadership and community members. 
• Routinely collaborate with other programs.  
• Participate in collaborative learning activities and convenings with other tribes and tribal-serving organizations to share learnings, challenges, and successes. 
• Maintain confidentiality of all data and IHHC Project information unless otherwise authorized. 
• Perform additional tasks as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) with strong general computer and internet skills. 
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with American Indian Tribes, with a strong understanding of cultural considerations when working with tribal communities. 
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to work effectively and respectfully within diverse cross-cultural contexts. 
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal day-to-day supervision. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, professional correspondence, reports, and presentations. 
• Proficient public speaking and facilitation skills, including delivering presentations and leading meetings, workshops, and group discussions. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required, health-related field preferred. Master’s degree in public health or related field preferred. 
• Two years’ experience in public health practice/community health preferred. 
• Demonstrated experience working in collaboration with American Indian tribes. 
• Completion of background investigation is required as a condition of employment. 
• Must be a NM Resident and maintain a valid driver’s license to drive company-leased vehicle.

WORK CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with a minimum of two in-office days per week. 
• Work is primarily sedentary and performed in a standard office environment with minimal noise. 
• Requires extended periods of sitting, computer use, and general office tasks such as typing, phone communication, and handling documents. 
• Travel is required, including local travel, visits to tribal communities, occasional overnight trips, some national travel, and occasional weekend training activities. 
• Must be able to meet any vaccination or testing requirements necessary for regular in-person interaction with staff, partners, and the public.