BACKGROUND: CESAR (Center for Substance Use, Addiction & Health Research), led by Dr. Jessica Magidson at UMCP, is an interdisciplinary research center which specializes in conducting policy-relevant research and evaluation studies. CESAR is known for disseminating statistical and other information to policymakers, practitioners, and others, as well as providing training and technical assistance to local and federal agencies and organizations working in related fields. CESAR is currently conducting the National and Maryland Emergency Department Drug Surveillance (EDDS) studies to conduct epidemiological tracking of drug use among patients seeking care in emergency departments for a drug related complaint. In addition, CESAR has several treatment and recovery studies using peer-delivered interventions with the goal of improving medication adherence for addiction and HIV treatment, as well as facilitating treatment access through mobile telemedicine.

Dr. Magidson also directs GMAP (Global Mental Health and Addiction Program), a research lab in the Psychology Department at the University of Maryland College Park. GMAP is currently conducting several NIH-funded clinical trials to increase access to evidence-based addiction treatment in resource-limited clinical settings both domestically and internationally. Most of GMAP’s studies evaluate: (1) if and how behavioral treatments work to achieve health outcomes, and (2) if and how treatments that work can be feasibly implemented/executed in underserved communities. Our research focuses on underserved communities including those with low income, racial/ethnic minorities, and people living with HIV.

DESCRIPTION:  The UM Scholar may participate in projects being conducted by both CESAR and GMAP to gain broad experience related to addiction research, including analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data from these combined research studies. The UM Scholar may assist in data collection, transcribing and coding qualitative interviews, data cleaning/checking/analysis, creating tables/graphs for reports/presentations, background research/literature reviews, drafting reports, and other miscellaneous tasks. Students willing to travel to Baltimore and/or Caroline County (Maryland) will have an opportunity to visit our research sites and shadow researchers. There may be opportunities for authorship of conference presentations and/or manuscripts depending on the nature of the student’s engagement during the research experience. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE: This position would be ideal for a student with an interest in addiction medicine, public health, social work and/or clinical psychology seeking to gain experience with clinical trials and/or epidemiologic research in both domestic and international settings. Students from the School of Social Work, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing, and any detail-oriented student that is motivated to learn, has an interest in substance use research, and/or that is open to working with vulnerable populations are encouraged to apply. Experience with qualitative data analysis and/or quantitative data management is preferred but not required.

LOCATION: Hybrid: Remote & In-person

PROJECT LEAD/PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Jessica Magidson, PhD, MPower Professor, Director, Center for Substance Use, Addiction & Health Research (CESAR) in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at the University of Maryland, College Park.

EMAIL: jmagidso@umd.edu

BIO: https://psyc.umd.edu/facultyprofile/magidson/jessica

For more information about CESAR: https://cesar.umd.edu/

For more information about GMAP: https://www.gmhaddictionlab.org/

International Students: F-1 or J-1 students must obtain Office of International Service (OIS) authorization for this activity. If you are interested in applying, please contact OIS at ois-info@umaryland.edu before submitting your application. They will assist you in determining your specific eligibility. When reaching out, be sure to specify the particular project of interest and include a link to description.