Data Abstractor (Research Assistant)

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

Data Abstractor / Research Assistant

Opening Date:  April 8, 2025   
Closing Date:  April 23, 2025   
Job Class Code:  0677
Grade:  1
Salary:  $36,795.20 - $50,481.60/year

Position #006000608
Bargaining Unit:  MSEA-B ProTech

The State of Maine Office of Chief Medical Examiner has a unique and complex mission of handling all aspects of death and dying. This position involves daily processing of details surrounding the deaths of individuals by collecting histories, scene photos and other required documents. This work includes discussions, documentation, sights and smells that may be off-putting to one’s physical and emotional senses, to include psychological well-being. 

Office of the Attorney General

Office of Chief Medical Examiner 

Job Description:

The Data Abstractor/Research Assistant position is responsible for collecting, reviewing, abstracting and entering data elements required on two projects funded by National Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These projects are the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) grant and the Enhanced Opioid Overdose Surveillance (ESOSS) grant. This position requires working in collaboration with other professionals in the OCME, the Attorney General’s Office, and contractors at the University of Maine. Both projects involve epidemiological surveillance and dissemination, one regarding violent deaths and the other regarding opioid overdoses. This position must be able to interact with personnel from medical facilities, law enforcement and investigatory agencies.
Typical duties include:
•    Reviewing and/or attending daily meetings of the OCME staff to review case reports and identify potential NVDRS and ESOOS cases.
•    Assisting the office staff in obtaining police reports and medical records on all potential NVDRS and ESOOS cases.
•    Collecting all required data elements from reports.
•    Entering data into various software (Excel, MDILog, and the NVDRS database).
•    Preparing brief narrative case abstracts.
•    Participating in the generation and dissemination of data to statewide stakeholders.
•    Participating in online training. 
•    Attending occasional out of state trainings.
•    Maintaining the database of de-identified data for use by the Federal CDC, state agencies, and others for the purpose of data analysis and injury prevention.
•    Assisting the Program Directors and/or Principal Investigators as needed.
The ideal candidate must be organized and multitask efficiently and accurately while using applicable computer programs including web based software. This position requires the ability to review and analyze information and extract and summarize relevant data and communicate it clearly, concisely and efficiently in writing and orally under strict confidentiality guidelines.

Minimum Requirements: 

A Bachelors Degree in science or biomedical field preferred. 
Training, education or experience in office administration support, research analyst.

1) Competency in applying a solid knowledge of databases and methods of research, which includes data entry and word processing (Microsoft Word), as well as collecting and analyzing data using Microsoft Excel or comparable software.
2) Competency in performing routine administrative tasks that may require a general knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory procedures.
3) The ability to use independent decision making regarding the appropriate processes to follow, information to process and actions to take in accordance with standard procedures.

Minimum qualifications may be met by an acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training.

Application Instructions:

If you are interested in applying for this position, prepare a cover letter highlighting your experience and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the position and the knowledge, skills and abilities required.
Include resume, cover letter, three references (to include one work-related reference) and complete the online direct hire application.
The Department is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to mail service, faxing malfunctions or electronic transmission malfunctions.
Job offer to new hire is conditional upon verification of credentials, criminal records, and driver’s license check, and professional license requirements if applicable.
Please direct all questions via email to Lindsey Chasteen, OCME Office Administrator or at 207-624-7188.

BENEFITS

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a va