Graduate Student Research Assistant

Position Title: Graduate Student Research Assistant – Community Health Needs Assessment

Position Summary:  

The graduate student research assistant will support the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) process for a local hospital system by collecting and analyzing primary data from community members and key stakeholders. This role involves conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather both quantitative and qualitative data that will inform the hospital’s understanding of local health needs, disparities, and resources. This is a temporary, externally-funded position from May 1st, 2025 to August 14th, 2025. 

Key Responsibilities:

Assist in designing and administering surveys, interviews, and focus groups with community members, caregivers, and stakeholders

Collect, organize, and manage primary data, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality throughout the process.

Support data analysis using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods and software tools. 

Contribute to the preparation of reports, presentations, and data visualizations to communicate findings to hospital leadership and community partners. 

Engage with diverse populations, including medically underserved and vulnerable groups, to ensure broad community representation.

Maintain detailed documentation of data collection protocols and activities.

Qualifications:

Current enrollment in a graduate program in public administration, public health, health sciences, or a related field at Oakland University and be in good academic standing. 

Experience or coursework in survey design, qualitative research methods, or data analysis preferred.

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, NVivo, Excel) is a plus.

Experience working in community settings and with diverse populations. 

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Must have own personal transportation and be willing and able to travel throughout Southeast Michigan for data collection activities as needed. 

Must be proficient in both written and spoken English language. Experience and proficiency in other languages common in Southeast Michigan is a plus.

Supervision:  

Reports to Dr. Jennifer Lucarelli (Project Lead)

Application: 

Please submit a resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications to the position via Handshake.