Research Scientist II

Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 82,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

The Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. in New York invites applications for the Research Scientist II to support multiple research and evaluation projects within the NYS CECC portfolio. The role involves designing, implementing, analyzing, and disseminating research and evaluation studies under CECC leadership.

You will contribute to study methods, protocols, and scientific products, collaborate with diverse partners, and assist with grant writing and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years of professional research experience; or Master's; PhD may substitute for additional year.
• Experience in mental health or health equity research is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to CECC's research and evaluation initiatives on health disparities.
• Design and analyze quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies.
• Develop culturally responsive interventions and strategies.
• Conduct literature reviews and environmental scans to inform study design.
• Create research protocols, data instruments, and analytic plans.
• Assist with grant writing and funding proposals.
• Present findings via reports, manuscripts, and policy briefs.
• Ensure IRB protocol development and compliance with regulations.
• Train and supervise research staff.

Skills

Supervision

Project management

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Research design

Education

Bachelor's degree in social sciences, public health, psychology, social work, or related field

Master's degree in social sciences, public health, psychology, social work, or related field (preferred)

Tools

REDCap

STATA

ATLAS.ti

EndNote

Zotero

Job description

Job Title: Research Scientist II

Grade: 22

Salary: $82,312-$84,312

The Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. is seeking a qualified candidate to fill a full‑time position of Research Scientist to assist with multiple research and evaluation projects and the overall portfolio of the New York State Center of Excellence for Cultural Competence (CECC). The CECC is a center funded by the New York State (NYS) Office of Mental Health to conduct research addressing mental health disparities in NYS. The CECC has an active portfolio of projects, which include pilot studies, intervention development trials, large dataset analyses, and evaluation studies on a range of topics (e.g., suicide prevention, early intervention for psychosis, social determinants of mental health, community integration, engagement and diagnosis, health promotion). Under the supervision of the CECC Director and Assistant Director, the Research Scientist will contribute to the design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of research and evaluation studies, including the development of study methods, protocols, and scientific products.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Contribute scientific and programmatic expertise to CECC's research and evaluation initiatives aimed at understanding, addressing, and reducing mental health disparities across diverse communities in New York State.
• Design, implement, and contribute to the analysis and interpretation of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research and evaluation studies that advance mental health equity and inform policy and practice.
• Participate in the development, adaptation, testing, and evaluation of culturally and ecologically responsive interventions and strategies to promote mental health equity.
• Conduct literature reviews, environmental scans, and other research activities to inform study design, program development, and evaluation efforts.
• Contribute to the development of research protocols, data collection instruments, analytic plans, and evaluation frameworks, including the development and refinement of research methods and procedures as needed.
• Contribute to grant writing and the preparation of funding proposals.
• Prepare and present research findings through reports, presentations, manuscripts, policy briefs, and other dissemination products for scientific, professional, and stakeholder audiences.
• Contribute to the development of IRB protocols and support quality assurance and compliance with federal, state, local, and institutional policies and regulations governing research.
• Collaborate with CECC leadership and researchers, OMH program offices, RFMH business office, community organizations, and individuals with lived expertise to develop, implement, evaluate, coordinate, and disseminate research, evaluation, and technical assistance initiatives across the Center's portfolio.
• Monitor progress of assigned projects and communicate findings, challenges, and emerging issues to supervisors and project leadership.
• Ensure compliance of assigned projects with Human Research Protection Program requirements.
• Support the training and supervision of Research Assistants, interns, volunteers, and other junior staff as appropriate.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and (3) years of professional research experience in an appropriate field or master's degree in an appropriate field may substitute for (1) year of experience, and Ph.D. in an appropriate field may substitute for an additional year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of (3) years of professional research experience, such as participating in design or conduct of research studies in mental/behavioral health, coordinating research activities, developing and amending IRB protocols, ensuring compliance with Human Research Protection Program requirements, contributing to grant applications, and participating in data collection, data analysis, and manuscript development.
• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, public health, psychology, social work, or related field
• Master's degree in social sciences, public health, psychology, social work, or related field, preferred.
• Strong skills in supervision, project management, organization, and both verbal and written communication.
• Experience in research studies on mental health services or mental health equity.
• Demonstrated ability in scientific writing and experience with peer-reviewed publications.
• Training and experience in qualitative methods (e.g., content or thematic analysis) and/or quantitative methods (e.g., linear regressions, longitudinal analyses).
• Proficiency with REDCap or similar electronic data capture platforms.
• Experience using data analysis software such as STATA, ATLAS.ti, or equivalent qualitative/quantitative tools.
• Familiarity with reference management software (e.g., EndNote, Zotero).

Work Location

1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032

Mission

The Mission of the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH) is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a focus on providing hope and supporting recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances. Applicants with lived mental health experience are encouraged to apply. RFMH is deeply committed to supporting underserved individuals, organizations, and communities. To this end, RFMH is focused on implementing activities and initiatives to reduce disparities in access, quality, and treatment outcomes for underserved populations. A critical component of these efforts is ensuring that RFMH is a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees' unique attributes and skills are valued and utilized to support the mission of the Agency. RFMH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The Research Foundation is a private not-for-profit corporation and is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. Excellent Benefits Package. Affirmsive Action/Equal Opportunity Employer - Disabled/Veteran, 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) compliant. Salary: $82312 - $84312 per year