UTHealth Houston's Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences' ¡Iniciando! research project is hiring a Casual Research Assistant! This role is primarily remote, with potential occasional on-site meetings or training required. This role will work approximately 4.5 hours per week. A key aspect of this position is the ability to be flexible and adaptable, as research needs may shift.

This project aims to refine a program called ¡Iniciando!, designed to support young Latino adults with autism as they transition to adulthood, and to ease the responsibilities of their caregivers. To ensure the program and our research methods are a good fit for the community, this project involves gathering feedback on the program's content, participant recruitment strategies, methods for collecting survey and brain imaging (MRI) data, and the best way to explain our randomized controlled trial study to potential participants. This project involves qualitative data collection and analysis. The specific tasks of the Research Assistant (RA) may evolve as the research progresses.

Under the close direction of the Principal Investigator and senior research staff, the Research Assistant will support research activities, with a primary focus on qualitative data collection and analysis, participant communication, and data management.

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as...

• Free financial and legal counseling
• Free mental health counseling services
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
• Resources for child and elder care
• Plus many more!

Position Summary:

Under close direction of senior research staff, conducts activities to support research projects.

Position Key Accountabilities:

The Research Assistant's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Qualitative Data Analysis:

• Teaching Grace regarding qualitative data analysis.
• Analyze interview data using thematic analysis.
• Assist with coding data using qualitative data analysis software.
• Identify and extract key themes and patterns from transcripts.
• Develop preliminary codes based on the thematic analysis framework.
• Conduct coding and resolving discrepancies in collaboration with the research team, including the Launching Intern, Grace.
• Use focused coding to refine findings.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of coding and analysis processes (Nvivo).
• Transcribe audio recordings of interviews verbatim.
• Review transcripts with Community Advisory Board (CAB) members and the bilingual research team.

Participant Communication:

• Conduct phone calls in Spanish to screen, recruit, and schedule participants for focus groups and interviews.
• Maintain clear and professional communication with participants throughout the research process.
• Respond to participant inquiries and provide necessary information.

Research Support:

• Update the program based on participant and CAB feedback.
• Attend Community Scientist meetings (as needed).
• Conduct research activities according to established research protocols.
• Collect, evaluate, and interpret research data to provide needed information to the principal investigators and other researchers.
• Maintain and update research databases and records as needed.
• Stay abreast of new and updated protocols for the research department.
• Comply with all university policies, rules, regulations, and codes.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Certification/Skills:

Work may involve handling biohazardous, chemical, and radiological materials, as well as operating associated equipment. Required safety training and appropriate engineering and administrative controls including the use of personal protective equipment must be followed.

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree or relevant experience in lieu of education.

Minimum Experience:

None.

Preferred:

Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Experience with or a strong interest in qualitative data analysis.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with research participants from different backgrounds.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Proficiency with computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, data entry).

Ability to work independently and remotely.

Ability to learn and utilize qualitative data analysis software.

Physical Requirements:

Security Sensitive:

This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.