CMBM is performing a research study in the Indian Women’s Prison and in the Plainfield Correctional Facility in Indianapolis, IN. The study involves training incarcerated men and women to facilitate mind-body skills groups for their incarcerated peers and to measure the effects of the mind-body skills groups on these participants. Skills taught in the mind-body skills groups include: meditation, self-expression through drawings, autogenics and biofeedback, guided imagery, body awareness, and genograms.
The study also involves measuring the benefits of the training for the incarcerated men and women attending the training. That part of the study has been completed for the women and there will be a follow-up for the trained men in February 2024.
This part-time position involves consenting incarcerated men and women who are interested in participating in the mind-body skills groups so that they can take part in the research study. It also involves the administration of research packets before and after the mind-body skills groups and at 3-month follow-up. Finally, it involves conducting focus group interviews with the trained men, the incarcerated participants of the mind-body skills groups, and the trained men and women who are facilitating the mind-body skills groups.
The position will require someone who lives in Indianapolis, IN, where the prisons are located.
The work will be intermittent beginning as soon as possible and ending in June 2024.The total number of hours is estimated to be approximately 100-150.
Position Responsibilities
- Work closely with CMBM’s Research Director virtually throughout the project for training and supervision
- Work with prison staff on coordinating research activities and access to the prisons
- Complete the 3-5 hour online Human Protections Training Course by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (on HHS.gov)
- Complete a 5-hour online training provided by the Indiana Department of Corrections
- Perform informed consent group interviews in-person with incarcerated research subjects
- Administer consent forms in-person to incarcerated research subjects
- Copy consent forms and research packets (can use a copy center)
- Code research packets
- Administer research packets in-person to incarcerated men from the mind-body medicine training
- Administer research packets in-person to the incarcerated participants of the mind-body skills groups
- Scan (can use a copy center) and upload completed consent forms and research packets
- Interview and record the focus group interviews from groups of 8-10 participants of the mind-body skills groups, those who facilitated the groups, and the men who participated in the training.
Minimum Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a science-related field
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work independently and also function well in a collaborative team setting
- Strong attention to detail
- Pass a background check by the Indiana Department of Corrections
- Contractor will need a computer with a reliable internet connection
- Contractor must be willing to work in–person and will need reliable source of transportation to commute to and from the prisons
Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the above qualifications, preferred qualifications include:
- 1+ years experience as a research assistant
- Experience obtaining informed consent for a research study
- Experience collecting research data from human subjects
- Experience running focus group interviews
Pay
This position is a part-time short term contract position from mid-September through July 2024. The pay for this position is $25 per hour. The approximate total number of hours will be between 100-150. CMBM will reimburse the Contractor for any expenses incurred such as mileage for travel to the prisons and photocopying/scanning.
Location
Indianapolis, IN and Virtual.
How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter and resume with references via this form here.
