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LDA - Research and Evaluation Specialist- SMART Initiative-IPS
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Position Number: 6070193
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

LDA - Research and Evaluation Specialist- SMART Initiative-IPS
TN, United States

Job Identification: 2031
Job Category: Research
Posting Date: 03/11/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 1610 University Ave, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (Remote)

Job Description
The Research and Evaluation Specialist is a 2-year limited duration appointment (LDA) position for the SMART Initiative (Substance Misuse and Addiction Resource for Tennessee) with the Institute for Public Service (IPS). The position will assess the effectiveness of new programs funded by opioid settlements across the state to ensure that funding is spent on successful initiatives that can be sustainably replicated, as well as assist with data analysis and grant writing support to county leaders. This position will report to the Executive Director of the SMART Initiative, The SMART Initiative is a state-wide program whose primary goals are to empower Tennessee to overcome the overdose crisis. The Substance Misuse and Addiction Resource for Tennessee (SMART) Initiative guides community leaders in implementing evidence-based, cost-effective strategies that mitigate damage from substance use disorder and the opioid epidemic. Our vision is a healthy Tennessee where people impacted by substance use can live and thrive. Conducting community research on substance use trends and innovative strategies.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain close relationships with state, county, and municipal leaders and other professionals.
Guide TN counties and municipalities in designing measurable metrics of program success and subsequent reporting requirements for programs funded with the use of local opioid settlement funds.
Conduct formal impact evaluations of new programs implemented by TN counties to identify the most cost-effective strategies that can be replicated across the state and provide recommendations for program revision, expansion, or termination.
Conduct independent research as principal investigator.
Create policies and protocols for area research.
Seek out new projects, create project proposals, and submit institutional review board applications.
Conduct literature reviews to identify and evaluate previously conducted research.
Conduct formal impact evaluations of new programs implemented by TN counties to identify the most cost-effective strategies that can be replicated across the state and use findings to independently initiate program revision, expansion, or termination.
Conduct and/or lead community research studies to examine various aspects of substance use disorder to increase understanding of factors that contribute to use and develop intervention approaches.
Analyze large sets of data to determine trends, emerging substances and use patterns, geographic risk factors, dangerous drug combinations, and other crucial areas of inquiry.
Author publications and create visualizations and dashboards to explore data and findings so that our work can be easily disseminated across the state.
Present findings to community leaders, state associations, research groups, or any other relevant audiences.
Provide grant writing, management, and compliance support as needed for community leaders and/or SMART for programs that will be researched or evaluated.

Qualifications
Education:
PhD or an equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field

Experience:
Three years of relevant experience working on substance use or other health related projects, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Skills:

Strong analytical and statistical skills, with proficiency in relevant software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Detail-oriented with a commitment to producing accurate and reliable results.
Familiarity with research and evaluation ethics and protocols.
Experience working in diverse research settings, including academic, non-profit, or government environments.
Ability to function as a primary investigator overseeing multiple studies simultaneously.
Knowledge of data visualization tools for conveying research findings.
Project management certification is advantageous.
Substance use disorder content expert or knowledge of the impact of the opioid crisis on rural and urban communities at a minimum
Ability to multi-task and prioritize activities when reacting to numerous and competing requests for assistance from communities
Ability to complete tasks independently with little supervision while working in the office or remotely

Behaviors:

Members of the SMART Initiative team will exhibit qualities of emotional maturity, genuineness, self-confidence, common sense, judgment, fairness, creativity, discretion, decisiveness, political savvy, diplomacy, tact, resiliency, adaptability, courage of convictions and tolerance for ambiguity. Demonstrated behavioral expectations include:

Unquestioned integrity and trustworthiness.
Commitment to the University's mission and strategic plan, as well as missions and strategic plans for each campus/institute.
Ability to make good, consistent, and fair decisions (based on fact and data).
Ability to work with cross-functional teams and to foster teamwork.

Location:

This remote position will serve the state of Tennessee. Full-time residence within Tennessee is required, though this can be anywhere within the state. Office space may be provided if needed depending on area of residence.

Applicants are encouraged to review all position requirements prior to applying. Salary is based on a combination of professional experience and qualifications.

For best consideration, applications should be submitted by April 11, 2025. Applicants must submit a resume with a minimum of three references. Position is open until filled.

About Us
With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100 largest employers in Tennessee, there is endless potential to discover at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This advanced academic center comprises 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, 900+ programs of study, 547 graduate programs, and is home to over 7,500 employees statewide who support the continued growth of the state's flagship land-grant university. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Anthropological Research Facility, Space Institute, and the UT Institute of Public Service are acclaimed entities of the UT system and with nearby affiliate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Top is a university on the rise. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset and with values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovative leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs. Apply today and join the Vol Family for life!
Ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates", "One of America's Best Large Employers", "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/2031/?mode=location