Senior Research Assistant

Position Overview

Title: Senior Research Assistant I (Older Adult Behavioral Health Training Program Manager)
Department: Institute on Aging, Oregon Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health & Aging (OCEBHA)
Employment Type: Fixed Term Research
FTE: Variable between .5 and 1.0, starting at .8 FTE (32 hours per week)
Term: 12 months, renewable contingent on grant funding
Start Date: 02/02/2026
Position Number: D97347

• Assist with development of training curriculum and identifying existing training resources.
• Plan and coordinate training events with internal and external trainers across Oregon.
• Develop and maintain community engagement and partnerships with behavioral health and aging service organizations.
• Collaborate with the OCEBHA Workforce Development Lead Coordinator and leadership team to advance the Center’s mission.
• Travel approximately once per quarter to different locations across the state.
• Communicate effectively with local and national community and interdisciplinary collaborators.

• Graduate degree in social work, public health, psychology or a related field, or comparable work experience.
• At least 2 years as a Research Assistant or equivalent, with demonstrated ability to perform focused research or evaluation tasks, including data gathering, routine procedures, data management, and qualitative or quantitative data analysis.
• Ability to develop training materials for professionals in behavioral health and aging services.
• Experience collaborating with community partners in behavioral health and aging services, including culturally‑specific organizations.
• Knowledge of behavioral health needs of older adults.
• Experience planning training for professionals and for students.
• Strong communication skills with local and national collaborators.

• Training or experience in behavioral health topics such as substance use disorders.
• Experience planning in‑person training events (e.g., conferences, webinars).
• Knowledge of evidence‑based practices pertaining to older adult behavioral health.
• Experience working with clinical interest groups.
• Experience developing training materials such as toolkits, factsheets, or newsletters using published literature and Center reports.
• Ability to collaborate with OCEBHA staff to develop workforce‑specific deliverables for funding agencies and community partners.

• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully within diverse cultural contexts.
• Seek opportunities to gain experience collaborating in multicultural and inclusive settings.
• Adhere to all PSU policies on discrimination, harassment, and professional conduct.

Contribute to a culture of environmental stewardship, practice resource conservation, and actively work towards long‑term sustainability goals.

Starting annual salary: $69,216 (at 1.0 FTE on a 12‑month term). The salary may be negotiated above this rate based on experience, skills, and internal equity. Benefits include 95% premium‑paid healthcare, a generous retirement and vacation package, and reduced tuition rates for employees, spouses or dependents at Oregon University System schools.

• Submit a resume and cover letter.
• Include names and contact information for two professional references.
• Letters of recommendation are requested only if you are selected for further consideration.
• Provide answers to any supplemental questions required by the application portal.

The appointment is renewable contingent on grant funding. No background check is required. The position does not require the employee to drive a motor vehicle.

IOA Director, Paula Carder – ioainfo

• Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level
• Employment Type: Part‑time
• Job Function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
• Industries: Higher Education