Research Scientist II - Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc.

October 2, 2024

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Research Scientist II

Salary Grade 22: $75,999* - $97,178 (Albany)

The Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated and hard-working candidate to fill the full-time position of Research Scientist II in the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). In response to the continuing overdose crisis, OASAS is calling for new approaches that embrace person-centered care, evidence-based practices, equitable treatment, and harm reduction principles. OASAS envisions a revised treatment system that better retains clients in treatment, mitigates adverse healthcare events, and reduces deaths. To this end, OASAS is embarking on a new collaboration with New York University on a National Institutes of Health grant to support the transformation of the data architecture and reporting across the OASAS system of care.

This Research Scientist II will work closely with the Division of Planning, Research, Information Management, and Evaluation leadership in employing data science approaches, techniques, and methods to develop substance use and use disorder measures that reflect agency wide needs in reporting and evaluation.

A successful candidate thrives in a highly collaborative, diverse cross-team work environment; has experience in data systems management and process improvement; demonstrates adaptability with the capacity to handle multiple demands and changes in a dynamic fast-paced environment; and has strong organizational, writing, and oral communication skills. The selected candidate must demonstrate expertise in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

*Hiring Rate for downstate and upstate

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Work as part of a research team within the OASAS Division of Planning, Research, Information Management, and Evaluation (PRIME) and collaborate with the New York University research team.
• In collaboration with PRIME leadership, support work contributing to meeting institutional clinical research priorities, goals and key performance indicators.
• Utilize advanced research methods, identify gaps between recommended performance measures and existing data collection methods.
• Develop and implement innovative solutions to bridge these gaps and ensure robust data collection for research and evaluation purposes.
• Support the preparation of documents related to research activities, including study protocols, progress reports, and briefs to OASAS staff on data system development milestones.
• Facilitate relationships with providers, community representatives, and other stakeholders contributing to data collection and database management.
• Perform other related duties & responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree is required with a minimum of three years of research or evaluation experience; preference is given to public health, public administration, sociology, psychology, or related field.
• A master's degree can be substituted for one year of professional experience.
• D. may be substituted for two years of professional experience.
• Expertise in the use of SAS evidenced by having had at least one year of full-time work using SAS.
• Expertise in organizing, managing, and analyzing quantitative data using descriptive statistics evidenced by having had at least one year of full-time work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in culturally diverse communities is an asset.
• Experience in substance use epidemiology and substance use disorder treatment modalities is an asset.
• Ability to calculate, interpret and communicate statistics from data systems and provide findings in a variety of formats to both technical and general audiences.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and critique empirical findings.
• Demonstrated experience conducting program evaluations from start to finish is required, including samples of final products/reports.
• Motivation to learn more advanced data skills independently and as needed for data projects.

Location: 1450 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203

To Apply: Submit an application through our website at https://rfmh.applicantpro.com/jobs/ . Please note only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

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. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Minority/Women/Disabled/Veteran Employer. VEVRAA 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) compliant.