Opioid Research Coordinator The Department of Public Health and Community Medicine is an academic department within the Tufts University School of Medicine located on the Health Sciences Campus in Boston. Technical and academic assets within the department provide a strong research support system for federally-funded research. Its 26 full-time faculty members hold advanced degrees in epidemiology, biostatistics, sociology, anthropology, law, medicine, nutrition, biology, engineering, health policy, economics, social policy, education, social work, and the behavioral sciences. Department research includes a focus on the following thematic areas: health equity, health communication, nutrition and infection, infectious disease epidemiology, health policy and health care delivery, environmental health, the opioid epidemic, and global health. Department faculty are methodologically strong and diverse, with expertise in biostatistics, survey research, program evaluation, qualitative methods, dietary assessment and spatial epidemiological analysis. The opioid overdose epidemic continues to present major public health challenges in the US and across Massachusetts. While there have been positive strides in preventing fatal overdoses, much more work remains to be done. Under the leadership of Dr. Thomas Stopka, our Tufts School of Medicine team is conducting a range of mixed methods research studies to learn about the drug supply and related health risks tied to xylazine and fentanyl exposure, among other substances. We are also assessing interests in and experiences with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment, and especially long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB). Finally, through our Mental Health and Opioid Prevention Explorer (mHOPE), an online, interactive data dashboard, we are helping to highlight the geospatial distribution of mental illness and opioid-related outcomes across US counties, as well as access to treatment services. Taken in their entirety, these studies will help to improve our understanding of opioid-related risks, opportunities for treatment and prevention, and data-to-action oriented responses within the public health and clinical fields. Collaborate with the EXAKT (Examination of Xylazine Associated Skin and Soft Tissue Infection) and EXOUD (EXtended-release Opioid Use Disorder treatment in Massachusetts) teams in Dr. Stopka's lab, as well as other agencies, to help coordinate and carry out: recruitment, consent processes, enrollment, data collection, data management, quality improvement, and data analysis related to qualitative and quantitative (e.g., survey) study activities in communities across Massachusetts. Assist with coordination and development of mHOPE data dashboard content, including: GIS maps, spatial and trend visualizations, continuing medical education units, and blogposts. Works with EXAKT and EXOUD staff to ensure data collection activities in Northeastern, Southeastern, Central, and Western MA run smoothly and efficiently. Data management at Tufts, including reviewing of EXAKT and EXOUD forms for data completeness, transcribing accuracy, data entry, maintenance of data and data collection forms, and secure storage. Supports research staff in conducting intake, enrollment, consenting, and data collection for the EXAKT and EXOUD Mass studies. Participate in team correspondence to share concerns, best practices, and ideas related to xylazine exposure and related health outcomes; participant interests in and experiences with LAIB treatment. Help in the development of interview guides, surveys, manuals, presentations, and manuscripts. Attends and participates at in-person team meetings at home institution or in field-based sites. Helps with other tasks as needed.
Basic Requirements:- Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:2-3 years of experience working on opioid-related research projects
- Must be comfortable working in a local communities with people who use drugs
- Experience with opioid-related research and people exposed to xylazine and LAIB is highly desired
- Solid computer skills and proficiency: Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Python, ArcGIS ProAbility to work well with a study investigators and local supervisor
- Must be able and willing to travel between Boston and Northeastern, Southeastern, Central, and Western MAAbility to follow study protocols
- Ability to work successfully and patiently under pressure, understand and follow policies and procedures, and accommodate change
- Ability to take responsibility for assignments, work independently, and as part of a team
- Experience handling confidential materials with discretion
- Ability to work on research with hidden and minoritized populations
Preferred Qualifications:- MPH degree
- Training in public health or social sciences (e.g., community health, research methods, criminal justice)
- Experience working with community members with opioid use disorder (OUD)
- Experience working with ACASI, REDCap, Qualtrics, SAS, R, and RShiny programs desirable
Pay Range:
Minimum $23.00, Midpoint $27.35, Maximum $31.70 Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.
