Research Assistant- School of Social Work

Research Assistant- School of Social Work

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant- School of Social Work at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will support research and evaluation activities for projects funded by opioid settlement grants. The position involves working with local government and community-based organizations, including Monroe County and other partner agencies, to develop and implement evaluation strategies, compile and analyze data, and prepare reports and visualizations that inform public health and behavioral health planning. This role requires strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with community partners and multidisciplinary teams.

Collaborate with local government and community-based agencies to design and implement evaluation strategies for opioid settlement-funded initiatives. Manage project timelines, deliverables, and data documentation to ensure accuracy and consistency across multiple sites. Communicate with the principal investigator and other team members on the status of the evaluation.

Prepare written reports, briefs, presentations, and infographics summarizing key findings for funders, partners, and community task forces. Present evaluation findings and updates at community meetings, task forces, and partner groups.

Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to community partners on data collection and tracking procedures

Contribute to manuscript development, grant reporting, and related dissemination efforts

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education Master's degree
Master’s degree in Social Work, Public Health, Psychology, Sociology, or a related social science discipline.

Experience Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)
Experience in program evaluation or applied research.

Experience collaborating with local government, public health departments, or community-based organizations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. Strong written and oral communication skills. Skilled in analyzing, summarizing, and interpreting research findings and data for reports and presentations. Demonstrated knowledge of scientific integrity and ethical research practices. Excellent time management and organizational skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office and data management or analysis software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R, or equivalent).

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience developing and implementing community-level evaluations in behavioral health or substance use service settings. • Experience organizing and facilitating community coalitions, advisory boards, or task forces. • Familiarity with Michigan’s opioid settlement funding landscape or related public health initiatives. • Experience creating data visualizations and written materials for diverse audiences, including policymakers and community partners.

School/College/Division:

H13 - School of Social Work

Primary department:

H1302 - Social Work Research

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Fractional Time
• Job category: Research

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
  
• Salary minimum: TBD
• Salary hire maximum: TBD

Working conditions:

Typical work environment may include an office environment. May require working non-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientific conferences.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1
  

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.