Project Specialist

Project Specialist Position

Timeline: Fixed term request—From hire to September 30, 2025

PI: Dr. Claradina Soto, Associate Professor of USC Department of Population and Public Health Sciences

Contact Person: Ellen Rippberger, Project Manager: rippberg@usc.edu

Position Overview

The Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, led by Principal Investigator Dr. Claradina Soto, is seeking a full-time Project Specialist for a fixed-term position. The successful candidate will join a research team working on projects funded by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) focused on addressing opioid use disorder (OUD) in American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities.

The USC team has been tasked with the following four projects:

• Data Collection and Analysis Technical Assistance for Grantees: This project provides individualized data collection and analysis technical assistance to health clinics and community organizations to support their unique goals and enhance their project outcomes.
• Evaluation of Grants: This project evaluates various aspects of the grants, including logistics, implementation, activities, and services delivered to grantees.
• SUD Policy Advocacy Fellowship: This project offers a comprehensive training experience for professionals and community members interested in policy advocacy related to AIAN and substance use, enhancing their knowledge and skills through online learning and live discussions.
• California AIAN Fellowship for Health Professions: This project aims to enhance interest and competency in AIAN health care through a fellowship for health and social services students, offering education, mentorship, and practical experience in working with AIAN communities.

In collaboration with the project leads, and under the supervision of the project manager, this project specialist will work on each of these projects as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews to support project objectives.
• Design data collection tools, including surveys and interview guides.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data.
• Create data collection tools in REDCap.
• Coordinate logistics for meetings with grantees, program partners, and stakeholders.
• Attend in-person gatherings.
• Expand and maintain a library of relevant reference materials.
• Adhere to protocols while maintaining accurate and detailed records.
• Perform administrative duties, including scheduling, correspondence, and documentation management.
• Prepare progress reports for funder updates.

Qualifications

• Required
  • Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines effectively.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Strong ability to independently problem-solve without requiring extensive guidance.
  • Strong writing skills.
• Preferred
  • Experience working with AIAN communities.
  • A master’s degree in public health or a related field.
  • Experience in data collection, analysis, and management.
  • Proficiency with REDCap or similar data management tools.

Travel Requirements

• The position may require travel throughout California, approximately 10% of the time.

 PLEASE NOTE: Applications submitted without a cover letter will NOT be considered.

The hourly rate range for this position is $29.40 - $37.88. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and w