MPH Practicum - Research Assistant

Public Health Foundation Enterprises (PHFE dba Heluna Health) and the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP) of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) invite applications for the position of Research Assistant (RA). The IBTPP is the developer and sole distributor of the orphan drug Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) (BabyBIG®). BabyBIG® is the only treatment available for the orphan (rare) disease known as infant botulism. The IBTPP is established as a fee-supported, special fund activity of the State of California. Our team consists of a small, dynamic group of professionals dedicated to improving the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of infant botulism and related disorders.  Program information may be found at: www.infantbotulism.org

Salary Range: $20 - $25 per hour commensurate with experience

The RA role contributes to the creation of new knowledge of the IBTPP by organizing and abstracting information from medical records of patients with infant botulism. The RA will be responsible for data entry, management, and analysis of the abstracted information in a project aimed at better understanding the clinical characteristics of those affected by the disease during their hospitalization. At the end of the project, the candidate will be expected to present the results of their analysis to a scientific audience.

The position within the IBTPP provides the opportunity for involvement with a multidisciplinary medical and public health research team that does orphan drug development and distribution, epidemiology, molecular biology, microbiology, and regulatory (FDA) affairs. The RA will also have the opportunity to attend or participate in CDPH webinars, interest groups, and events as time allows. The ideal candidate would have some experience with patient medical records, data entry and analysis and long-term interests in medicine, medical research, and public health.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  Research Support (approx. 65%)

• Refine and maintain case records for infant botulism (IB) patients according to all current Standard Operating Procedures

• Work collaboratively with program epidemiologists and regulatory staff to refine and/or scan patient medical records for digitizing project.
• Abstract pertinent data from patient medical records and enter into database.

Research Project (approx.30%)

• Manage and analyze data for a project aimed at enhanced understanding of the clinical characteristics of patients affected by IB
• Present results of research project to a scientific audience

 Other: (approx. 5%)

• Other supportive regulatory and epidemiology activities, as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be able to perform each essential duty listed above satisfactorily and professionally.
• Must have ability to take direction, and work both collaboratively and independently to complete assigned work in a timely manner with adherence to procedures.
• Demonstrated professionalism and ability to communicate clearly and promptly.
• Ability to handle medical and sensitive information with absolute confidentiality.
• Exceptional records organization and document maintenance ability
• Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment at all times.
• Ability to read and write English well, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Education/Experience

•  Must be currently enrolled in a Master of Public Health Program
• Possess business acumen and ability to respond professionally to concurrent requests.
• Experience with phone interactions, and electronic forms of communications; able to accurately relay information in a timely manner.
• Ability to read and follow detailed instructions, program protocols and employment policies.
• 1-3 years of business experience, with a focus on training in epidemiology or in public health, and/or prior work in with pharmaceutical products or regulatory affairs preferred.
• Fluency with office software, including databases, spreadsheets, and use of internet resources.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand                                       Occasionally
• Walk                                        Occasionally
• Sit                                            Constantly
• Handling / Fingering               Constantly
• Reach Outward                       Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder           Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend     Occasionally
• Lift/Carry                                 Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
• Push/Pull                                 Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
• See                                          Constantly
• Speak                                      Frequently
• Taste/ Smell                            Not Applicable

Not Applicable Not required for essential functions;

• Occasionally (0 - 2 hrs/day)
• Frequently (2 - 5 hrs/day);  Constantly   (5 hrs/day)

 WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

General Office Setting, Indoors, Temperature-Controlled.  The IBTPP is located at the CDPH Richmond Laboratory Campus on Marina Bay Parkway, Richmond, CA. which has free parking and is accessible by BART/shuttle.

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position may require travel within the state of California in order to confer with CDPH staff, vendors, or regulatory contractors.  When necessary, the incumbent must be able and willing to travel. Hybrid remote option available.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

REQUIRED for consideration:  all applicants must upload a resume to the recruiting portal

Via Employer Recruitment Website https://berkeleypublichealth.12twenty.com/SignUp/Student

PHFE dba Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.

Salary : $20 - $25