Graduate Research Assistant
Description of work unit-
The Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest (HWC) represents a collaboration between the University of Iowa, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Kansas Medical Center, Penn State University, WorkWell Kansas, the Nebraska Safety Council, and the St. Louis Area Business Health Coalition. The HWC is one of ten Total Worker Health Centers of Excellence funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The Center was established in 2006 and is built upon extensive investigator experience in occupational health and safety, ergonomics, and health promotion. The vision of the HWC is to create a safe, healthy, and productive workforce.
Work patterns, already shifting due to new technology and economic forces, were accelerated by the pandemic and led to increased remote work. Additionally, the pandemic caused stress and burnout among frontline health care workers and other essential workers. The pandemic has also highlighted how work policies and practices are directly related to health outcomes that have not traditionally been considered related to work conditions, including stress and mental health.
This 0.5 FTE graduate assistant position (GRA) will be based in the Evaluation and Planning Core of the Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest (HWC). The GRA will assist with various activities including: analyzing data from longitudinal surveys assessing the impact of work organization on well-being; conducting literature reviews on topics impacting worker safety, health and well-being; and developing materials to disseminate findings (e.g., presentations, toolbox talks, handouts). In addition, the GRA will take the lead role on planning, coordinating, and summarizing meetings with employers, researchers, and other employer organizations as part of our Regional Collaborative Learning Communities.
Skills
· Quantitative and qualitative data analysis
· Experience organizing and planning meetings and/or workshops, conferences
· Knowledge of occupational health, safety and/or worker well-being
· Experience conducting literature reviews
· Strong oral and written communication skills
· Ability to work independently and as part of team