Research Assistant

Overview

The part time (25% -10 hours per week) Research Assistant (RA) will assist with the coordination of harm reduction and naloxone trainings provided to service industry businesses (restaurants, bars, motels, etc.) in the Salt Lake region. The RA should have experience or interest in conducting research on substance use disorders, harm reduction, or opioid overdose prevention. The RA will assist with on-site training, curriculum updates, outreach, and educational training sessions under the supervision of the program director. In addition, the RA will assist with the coordination of harm reduction training events and program evaluation.

This position is eligible for hybrid work within the state of Utah. 

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach to service industry businesses in the Salt Lake region to improve understanding of harm reduction and naloxone and enroll in training program.
• Assist with administration of harm reduction and naloxone training for employees at service industry businesses.
• Develop and review harm reduction media (flyers, posters, etc.) to be distributed to community partners.
• Create social media posts related to harm reduction and substance use prevention.
• Assist with collection of survey data for program evaluation purposes.
• Collaborate with other USU Extension employees on harm reduction and substance use prevention projects.
• Assist with train-the-trainer program held for USU Extension faculty and staff.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of harm reduction and substance use prevention principles.
• Experience in substance use prevention outreach, including naloxone administration.
• Proficiency in public speaking, recruitment calls, and online marketing.
• Background working with individuals affected by substance use disorders.
• Basic grasp of program evaluation and research.
• Remote work in Salt Lake Valley with occasional travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in any field and interest in or experience in substance use prevention.
• Personal experience with substance use disorder and harm reduction.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery.
• Ability to train and conduct outreach on substance use for various organizations.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational ability and attention to detail.
• Effective multitasking and adaptability to changing work demands.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity in diverse settings.
• Collaborative team player with a strong work ethic.
• Dependable, self-starting attitude with a willingness to learn new skills.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

College/Department Highlights

This position is funded by Utah State University Extension which provides research-based programs and resources with the goal of improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities throughout Utah. This program will be under the Health Extension: Advocacy, Research, and Teaching Initiative, which is focused on partnering with health departments, research experts, community coalitions, and other key stakeholders to address substance misuse through increasing access and utilization of prevention, treatment, and recovery services across the state.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.  

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.  

Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 7/2023

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023