Sr. Research Asst., IL Public Health Institute - Chicago

Illinois Public Health Institute
Position Description
Senior Research Assistant, Local Food Procurement Policy

Part-time, 20-30 hours per week
Temporary Position -- February-September 2013

Position Summary
Illinois Public Health Institute seeks a motivated, organized and detail-oriented researcher to
serve as Senior Research Assistant for a Local Food Procurement Policy Research project with
national scope. Specifically, the Senior Research Assistant will help with qualitative research,
project management, literature review and report writing related to health and economic
impacts of local food procurement. Strong qualitative research and writing skills are essential.
The Senior Research Assistant will work with staff at IPHI as well as contracted consultants
with nationally-recognized expertise in economic analysis of food systems. The research team
will also work collaboratively with CDC and the National Network of Public Health Institutes.
Expected audiences for the final report include public health and local food professionals, local
food producers, community-based organizations, and institutions that implement local food
policies such as schools and hospitals.

About Illinois Public Health Institute
The Illinois Public Health Institute (IPHI) works through partnerships to promote prevention
and improve public health systems that maximize health and quality of life for the people of
Illinois. IPHI administers a number of partnership-driven projects addressing specific program
areas, including the Center for Community Capacity Development (CCCD), the Center for Health
Information Technology (CHIT), and the Center for Policy and Partnership Initiatives (CPPI).
This position is in the CPPI, which measures, manages and improves public health systems
by leading planning, incubation and implementation of policy and program initiatives. The
CPPI develops and activates high-level partnerships with a wide variety of organizations and
institutions representative of multiple sectors in support of improving public health.

Primary Responsibilities
Support all aspects of the development of five case studies focused on the health and economic
impacts of local food procurement by school districts (and potentially other institutions).
Specific tasks will include:
• Assist in screening and identifying sites for participation in case studies
• Assist in developing IRB application materials
• Conduct case study research, including key informant interviews and document review.
• Assist in designing the interview protocols and other research methods.
• Assist with literature review related to health impacts of local food procurement.
• Collaborate with IPHI staff and consultants to draft a report that presents case studies and
summarizes findings related to health and economic impacts.
• Coordinate with key project partners to implement goals, strategies and tasks.
Qualifications

Strong skills in qualitative data collection and analysis.
Experience conducting case study research, including interviews and document review.
Knowledge and interest related to food systems and local food procurement.
Experience in project management for research projects.
Advanced degree in public health, public policy, planning, or related field
OR equivalent experience in community health or social science research.
Excellent writing and proofing skills and ability to develop reports for diverse audiences.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills and attention to detail
are required.
Familiarity with institutional procurement of local food a plus.
The successful candidate will be able to manage multiple tasks and projects
simultaneously, be comfortable in a fast-paced environment, and able to adapt to change.
IPHI has a collegial, team-oriented culture where a sense of humor and a passion for the
work is highly valued.

Compensation: Hourly rate commensurate with qualifications and related experience.

How to Apply
To apply, send the following three items to Jessica.Lynch@iphionline.org. Applications will be
reviewed on a rolling basis.
• cover letter
• résumé or curriculum vitae
• one writing sample (two may be submitted if they highlight different aspects of relevant
writing)

The Illinois Public Health Institute is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity.
We commit to our coworkers, applicants and community to have job opportunities open to
everyone equally. It is the policy and practice of IPHI not to discriminate against any coworker
or applicant on hiring decisions or career advancement because of race, color, religion national
origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, status as a disabled veteran, veteran of the
Vietnam Era, or any other personal characteristic which is not a relevant qualification to the
specific position.