Pediatrics – SPARK Center

Education

Volunteer/Research Assistant Opportunities – Medical

Volunteer/Research Assistants are needed to work on studies that focus on HIV prevention (both at the local and international levels), and premature and low birth weight infants. Ideal candidates are advanced graduate students with previous research experience; a background in public health, psychology, mental health or related fields; proficient computer skills; quantitative and qualitative research experience; basic knowledge and familiarity with SPSS; excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills; strong analytical and writing skills; a demonstrated ability to work within a team setting; and a willingness to work with ethnically diverse and immigrant groups. A commitment of at least three months is required. Research Assistants/Volunteers must also be able to devote between 6 and 8 hours per week to the project. Start and end dates are negotiable.

Duties may include the following:

• Perform literature review on current areas of research (e.g., HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention and premature and low birth weight infants).
• Participate in a needs assessment survey of parents of premature and very low birth weight infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Boston Medical Center.
• Engage in data collection, coding, data entry and data analysis.
• Work closely with SPARK and BMC staff to assist in the dissemination of on-going research studies on HIV/AIDS prevention.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication.

Volunteer/Research Assistants will gain expertise in a number of areas, in particular library searches, APA referencing, recruitment of study participants, data collection, interview skills, transcribing, coding, data entry using SPSS, grant writing and submission of applications to the Institutional Review Board. Ongoing training and supervision will be provided.
 
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, a résumé, and two letters of recommendation to: 

Gemima St. Louis, Ph.D.
Director of Mental Health Training & Research 
SPARK Center at Boston Medical Center
255 River Street 
Mattapan, MA 02126 
Fax: 617.534.2057
Email: Gemima.Stlouis@bmc.org

For more information about research opportunities at the SPARK Center, please contact Dr. Gemima St. Louis at 617.534.2050 ext. 226.