Position Title
Research Assistant – Qualitative Health Communication (Diabetes Focus)
Job Description
I am looking for a Research Assistant to contribute to qualitative research looking at diabetes management and education. This position offers an opportunity into the field and landscape of health communication, exploring strategies to better understand awareness and understanding of diabetes management and functional disability.
Key Responsibilities
- Research Support: Assist in conducting qualitative research such as interviews, focus groups, and content analysis related to diabetes communication strategies.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Collect and organize data from various sources, transcribe interviews, and contribute to the analysis of qualitative data sets using relevant software tools.
- Literature Review: Conduct thorough literature reviews to identify gaps, trends, and emerging theories in health communication related to diabetes management.
- Collaboration: Work closely with the research team, collaborating on project planning, implementation, and dissemination of findings through reports, presentations, and publications.
- Documentation: Maintain detailed records of research activities, assist in the preparation of research manuscripts, and contribute to grant proposals and ethics applications.
- Community Engagement: Assist in developing materials and strategies for community outreach and engagement initiatives aimed at improving diabetes education and communication.
Qualifications
- An understanding of qualitative research methodologies, including experience in conducting interviews, focus groups, and content analysis.
- Proficiency in qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, MAXQDA) is desirable.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize information effectively.
- A demonstrated interest in health communication, diabetes management, and public health issues.
Benefits
- Exposure to cutting-edge research in health communication and diabetes management.
- Opportunities for professional development and mentorship in a collaborative research environment.
- Applying Arts-based approaches to research outcomes
Note
This job description outlines the primary duties and qualifications for the Research Assistant role focused on qualitative health communication in the context of diabetes. Responsibilities may evolve to accommodate the needs of ongoing research projects and initiatives.
Faculty Advisor Mentoring Philosophy
I have a three-pronged approach to mentoring. 1) Developing collaborative relationships with students so that everyone gains from learning, training, and development. From the onset, we work out clear goals and objectives that each of us seek to gain from partnering as a team for this project. For example, if your goal is to gain experience with methods, I will work toward ensuring you receive the training stated. 2) Community-centered environment. A central part of my mentorship style is valuing each other as community members with a broader objective of working toward solutioning for greater health equity. All of us are a piece of the puzzle that must come together communally and collectively to complete our broader goals. I foster a fun space to discuss new ideas, share our cultural foods in the process, and work toward creative ways to engage research. 3) Fostering an inclusive workspace. As a scholar, teacher, mentor who centers the role of structures in my research, I commit to reducing structural barriers as a mentor as much as possible. For example, I ensure flexibility in my mentorship processes, including hybrid, remote, or in-person lab meetings if that is preferred.
Faculty Advisor | Satveer Kaur | |
Contact E-Mail | skaur11@unl.edu | |
Department | Communication Studies – College of Arts and Sciences | |
Potential UCARE Research Position? | Yes | |
UCARE Terms | Both next summer (2024) and next academic year (2024-2025) | |
Paid or Volunteer Experience? | Paid by UCARE Funding | |
Hours per Week | Up to 10 in spring and fall; up to 20 in summer | |
Acceptable Undergraduate Majors | Communication, Sociology, Public Health, Journalism, Medicine |