Staff Research Associate - 133992

Kick It California (KIC), based in Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego, is positioned to intersect research and practice in the field of tobacco control. Established in 1992 as the first publicly funded statewide quitline, KIC (formerly known as the California Smokers' Helpline) contributed to the wide establishment of evidence-based, telephone-counseling services for smoking cessation both in the U.S. and internationally.

KIC's scientific innovation and research is recognized for advancing the field of tobacco control. KIC researchers organize large population surveys that examine substance use behavior among adolescents in addition to conducting randomized controlled trials of tobacco cessation interventions. KIC is funded to evaluate multiple school-based behavioral intervention programs, including California's Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) program.

Under close supervision of the Project Manager, the Staff Research Associate will assist in implementing and coordinating research studies in tobacco use and control. Primary responsibilities relate to assisting with projects and research study preparation and implementation, including managing and maintaining recruitment databases, coordinating with schools and partners on implementation, monitoring and improving surveys and other data collection processes, and providing assistance on other projects and service or research-related tasks as needed. Areas of research may include one or more of the following: 1) statewide Mapping Youth Health Behavior (MYHB) or similar survey, 2) Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) program evaluation, (3) YVAPE and/or cannabis projects, and/or 3) county-specific projects. Other duties will be assigned as needed.

• Theoretical knowledge of public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, social sciences, and/or related field.

• Knowledge of basic scientific principles and procedures and sound judgment in evaluating results.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, tactfully, flexibly, and patiently in person, on the phone, and in writing to a diverse population.

• Ability to keep accurate files and records and maintain confidentiality of clients.

• Demonstrated skill in critical thinking.

• Demonstrated initiative and capacity to lead.

• Ability to provide feedback in professional manner and communicate concerns as needed.

• Demonstrated ability to draft, edit, and proofread correspondence, meeting minutes, and/or progress reports.

• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with web-based search engines.

• Experience in working with California's K-12 system and district/school administration.

• Demonstrated experience in research setting involving human subjects (both qualitative and quantitative).

• Knowledge of tobacco cessation research.

• Knowledge of cannabis research.

• Knowledge of school-based youth surveys and datasets.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must have access to reliable transportation.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.