Research Associate

Position Summary

Under the direction of the California Tribal Epidemiology Center (CTEC) Program Manager, the Research Associate will assist the Research and Evaluation department with development and data collection activities specific to research and health data processing projects. The Research Associate will play a major role in: 1) collecting qualitative research and evaluation data through the administration of surveys and conducting focus groups and interviews, and 2) coordinating and completing applications for grant funding.

Essential Functions

1. Collects qualitative data, including but not limited to survey taking, conducting key informant interviews, focus groups, and follow-up calls with program participants on an as-needed basis.
2. Travels for data collection activities.
3. Provides training and technical assistance to Tribal organizations, health clinics, and American Indian community members.  
4. Assists with obtaining data-sharing agreements with Indian health programs.
5. Works with staff and collaborators to organize and produce competitive grant applications.
6. Reviews and understands requirements of funding announcements (such as requests for applications and program announcements).
7. Assists with grant proposal development, including helping the team create submission timelines. 
8. Assists with literature reviews, works with staff to form proposal outline, prepares budget justification and narratives, and ensures that all grant proposals meet CRIHB and funding agency requirements, are complete, and completed on time.
9. Submits grants, progress reports, final reports, grant renewals, or other reports as requested.
10. Reviews, edits, and proofs documents.
11. Writes and organizes templates for proposals, report documents, presentations, and promotional materials.
12. Assists with maintaining CTEC website information.
13. Monitors specifically funded program activities and special projects, as assigned.
14. Regular and predictable attendance.
15. Performs other relevant duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

1. Maintain a valid, unrestricted driver’s license and ability to be insurable under CRIHB’s automobile insurance.
2. Position may require occasional overnight travel within CRIHB’s service area. 
3. Requires the ability to drive up to seven (7) hours a day.

Qualifications 
CRIHB recognizes that an equivalent combination of education, training, and progressively responsible experience may be considered. A high school diploma or equivalent is required for all applicants.

1.    Education and Experience Requirements

• ​​​​​​Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Health Science, or a closely related field; and
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience, including:
  • Three (3) years directly related to the program area (e.g., grant writing, health research, technical writing, or data coordination,
  • At least one (1) year in a supervisory or management role preferred.

Applicants who do not possess a bachelor’s degree (but meet the high school minimum requirement) must have at least:

•  Nine (9) years of progressively professional experience demonstrating comparable scope and responsibility.
• This must include at least three (3) years in a related field.

1.    Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Communications, or a related field is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Proven experience in technical or grant writing coordination; experience with federal grants (e.g., NIH, CDC) is highly desirable.
2. Demonstrated experience in health research, data collection, or program evaluation, including surveys, interviews, or focus groups.
3. Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to produce polished, well-organized, and persuasive materials for diverse audiences.
4. Comfortable presenting or moderating group discussions in formal and informal settings; able to communicate effectively with Tribal leaders, researchers, and public health professionals.
5. Experience editing or formatting technical documents or reports preferred.
6. Proficiency in conducting literature reviews and online research using academic databases.
7. Advanced verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
8. Experience with Tribal health systems, nonprofit organizations, or the public sector preferred.
9. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Office 365, and other relevant research or documentation software.
10. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities.
11. Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
12. Commitment to confidentiality, equity, and American Indian self-determination.

Cultural Competency
This position requires an awareness and a profound respect for American Indian/Alaska Native traditions, customs, and socioeconomic contexts. It also requires the ability to work effectively with Tribal organizations, demonstrating tact, courtesy, discretion, resourcefulness, and sound judgment when handling sensitive matters.

Indian Preference
Preference in hiring is extended to qualified American Indians or Alaska Native applicants in accordance with CRIHB’s Indian Preference policy, as provided under Title 25 U.S.C. § 5307(b). This policy ensures that qualified Native applicants receive priority consideration in the hiring process. However, the final selection is based on a comprehensive evaluation of all candidates’ qualifications, experience, and alignment with the specific needs of the position. Applicants claiming Indian Preference must submit verifiable documentation of their status, such as certification from their Tribe of affiliation or other acceptable proof of Indian heritage as required by CRIHB.

Notice: Sovereign Immunity
Please take notice that sovereign immunity extends to CRIHB as an inter-tribal organization and arm of its consortium tribes and Tribal organizations. CRIHB is not governed by California’s labor laws, including the state’s wage and hour laws or its Family Medical Leave, and Pregnancy Leave laws and regulations. CRIHB’s utilization of certain state family medical and pregnancy leave benefits, or any other benefit, is discretionary and shall not be construed as a waiver of sovereign immunity of CRIHB. CRIHB may provide information and documents that reference state laws or regulations from time to time, and in the event of inconsistency or conflict, CRIHB’s policy shall govern. CRIHB disclaims jurisdiction of any state enforcement. Nothing herein or otherwise shall be construed as a waiver of sovereign immunity of CRIHB.