Job Description

Suicide Prevention and Awareness Research Assistant

Division: Student Affair Department: Health & Wellness

Experience: Entry-Level

Supervisor of Student Employee(s): Robert Musick and Glenna Henson

FWS, IWS, or Grant Funded: ☒ FWS, ☐ IWS, ☐ Grant Funded

Avg. Hours/Week: ☐ 1-5, ☒ 6-10, ☐ 11-15, ☐ 16-20

Requested Start Date: 08/25/2026 Term of Position: ☐ Summer, ☒ Fall, ☒ Spring

The Suicide Prevention and Awareness Research Assistant is a Federal Work-Study position that supports faculty and staff in conducting interdisciplinary research at the intersection of medicine, sociology, ethics, humanities, and psychology, and community field research. The student employee assists with literature reviews, data collection, research organization, and scholarly dissemination while developing research, analytical, and professional skills in an academic environment.

Responsibilities and Career Competencies

• Conduct literature reviews using academic databases to identify relevant research in suicidology, public health, sociology, medical humanities, or related disciplines. CT, T, CSD
• Assist with collecting, organizing, and managing research data while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and ethical research practices. CT, P, T
• Prepare summaries, annotated bibliographies, and research briefs for faculty investigators and project teams. C, CT, T
• Assist with the preparation of presentations, posters, manuscripts, grant proposals, and conference materials. C, CT, T, CSD
• Participate in research meetings by contributing ideas, taking meeting notes, and collaborating with faculty, staff, and student researchers. TW, C, P
• Support community-engaged research projects by assisting with outreach activities, surveys, interviews, or educational events when appropriate. CTR, C, TW
• Utilize research software, spreadsheets, and digital collaboration tools to organize project materials and maintain research documentation. T, CT
• Maintain organized electronic and physical research files while following institutional policies regarding confidentiality and responsible conduct of research. P, T
• Assist with evaluating research findings by identifying trends, organizing data, and contributing to project reports. CT, C
• Demonstrate initiative by completing assigned tasks independently, managing deadlines, and pursuing opportunities for professional growth in research and suicidology scholarship. CSD, L, P

Competencies/Skills Developed

• Communication (C): Develop professional written and verbal communication through research writing, presentations, and collaboration.
• Teamwork (TW): Collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and community partners on interdisciplinary research projects.
• Professionalism (P): Demonstrate ethical conduct, accountability, confidentiality, and responsible research practices.
• Career & Self Development (CSD): Build research experience, strengthen academic and career readiness, and pursue continuous learning.
• Critical Thinking (CT): Analyze scholarly literature, evaluate evidence, solve research problems, and synthesize information.
• Community Transformation (CTR): Contribute to research that improves healthcare, community well-being, and health equity through community-engaged scholarship.
• Leadership (L): Show initiative, assume responsibility for assigned research activities, and contribute to collaborative project success.
• Technology (T): Utilize academic databases, reference management software, spreadsheets, research platforms, and digital collaboration tools.

Qualifications: Add qualifications needed to be successful in this position.

In the following sections check all boxes that apply to your job.

Computer Skills: ☒ Word, ☒ Excel, ☒ PowerPoint, ☐ Canva, ☐ Social Media & New Technology, ☐ Other: _________________________

Other Skills: ☒ Attention to detail, ☒ Strong active listening abilities, ☐ Public speaking, ☒ Written & verbal communication, ☐ Customer focused, ☒ Willingness to learn new things

Work Schedule: ☐ Su ___ to ___; ☐ M ___ to ___; ☐ T ___ to ___; ☐ W ___ to ___; ☐ R ___ to ___; ☐ F ___ to ___; ☐ Sa ___ to ___; ☒ Hours vary depending on workload (Check days that apply, insert hours if set, otherwise, check “Hours vary depending on workload”.)

Work Conditions: ☐ Heat, ☐ Cold, ☐ Odors/Smoke, ☐ Toxic Agents, ☐ Dust, ☐ Machinery, ☐ Light Intensity, ☐ Noise, ☐ Vibrations, ☐ Wetness, ☐ Humidity, ☐ Electrical Currents, ☐ Other: _________________________

Physical Demands: ☒ Keyboarding, ☐ Reaching/Handling, ☐ Stooping/Kneeling, ☐ Crouching/Crawling, ☐ Pushing up to ___ lbs., ☐ Pulling up to ___ lbs., ☐ Lifting up to ___ lbs., ☐ Carrying up to ___ lbs., ☐ Climbing, ☐ Balancing, ☐ Other: _________________________

Number of Positions: One

Pay Rate: 8.75/Hour

Location: Building: Record, Room #: 600

Application Notes: Resumes and applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.