HIV Studies Certificate Program
The HIV Studies certificate program, hosted by the Center for Collaborative HIV Research in Policy and Practice (CCHRPP), is open to students enrolled in graduate degree programs or as a self-standing program with a minimum of 12 credit hours.
Graduate Assistantships & Internships
Students can have multiple roles across CCHRPP. Opportunities are available within various offices at the NYSDOH AIDS Institute and across research teams at the University at Albany and partner institutions.
CCHRPP is Hiring for a GA Position at the NYSDOH!
Center for Collaborative HIV Research in Practice and Policy (CCHRPP)
Graduate Assistantship Opportunities:
One graduate-level assistantship is available through the Center for Collaborative HIV Research in Practice and Policy (CCHRPP) and the NYSDOH AIDS Institute Office of Program Evaluation and Research (OPER). The work will take place at the OPER office. The work includes several AIDS Institute areas from HIV, viral hepatitis, and drug user health to health equity. Expected start date is end of summer/beginning of fall 2023.
Eligibility
- Accepted to DrPH or PhD in Epidemiology, or MPH in Public Health
- Indicated interest in epidemiology, program evaluation, or health equity, related to HIV, sexually transmitted infections, viral hepatitis, LGBTQ health, and drug user health.
- Experience with program evaluation, program development, or data analysis preferred.
- Experience with statistical packages (e.g., SAS, SPSS) and survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, SurveyGizmo/Alchemer) preferred.
- Willing to commit to a minimum of a 1-year position, with the expectation of staying on for 2 full academic years.
- Full-time credit status (9 credits or 1 dissertation credit) during academic semesters.
Financial Benefits
- Compensation of approximately up to $24,000 annually for doctoral students and $20,000 annually for master’s students (based on 20 hours/week when classes are in session and 30 hours/week during breaks at $20/hour for doctoral students and $17/hour for master’s students).
- Full health insurance and other benefits package from SUNY Research Foundation.
Mentorship
- OPER staff mentors work with students to develop well-rounded student experiences on a variety of projects.
- Additional mentoring provided by experienced SPH faculty.
- If desired, dissertation data and mentorship may be available through these positions.
Experiential Learning
- Opportunity to benefit from the unique and long-standing partnership between the UAlbany College of Integrated Health Sciences and the NYSDOH AIDS Institute through work in the OPER.
- Applied training in program evaluation, program development, and data analysis through placement at the NYSDOH AIDS Institute OPER.
- Past projects have included: coordination of Health Equity training, and creation of data collection tools, data analysis and reports, and co-authorship on resulting publications and reports.
- Potential to continue with practicum study.
Applicants interested in applying for this position should send their resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line “OPER Graduate Assistantship”
Additional Resources
Find out more via our LinkedIn page or at [email protected].
Here's what students have to say about previous CCHRPP-related internships and graduate assistantships
Doctoral Students
Meredith B.
PhD student, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Data Coordinator for UPSIDE Study
“In this role, I have had the opportunity to work on several important projects under my mentors at the School of Public Health. I have taken a lead on managing the incoming data for UPSIDE (Upstate PWID Study for Infectious Disease Elimination), which involves processing and cleaning data and producing ongoing reports for our funders and stakeholders. I have been able to participate in discussions about planning future studies for the NYS Department of Health, as well as projects with other groups. This position has helped me understand how to build an epidemiologic study, which is invaluable to my work as a doctoral student.”
Maxime F.
PhD Student, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Research support specialist, AIDS Institute Office of Program Evaluation and Research
“The internship at the AIDS Institute OPER was a great experience. I fostered my knowledge in data analyses using ArcGIS and SAS. I also learned new methods of statistical analyses (notably survey data analyses) that increased my readiness to work in public health. What I appreciated the most of my experience is the atmosphere that the director created: friendly and respectful. Everyone at OPER was treated equally no matter the demographic characteristics and employment status; interns were given the entire responsibility for big projects (under supervision), which strengthened confidence and built experience. Overall I would recommend that internship to everyone.”
Amanda S.
DrPH student, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Medication Assisted Treatment in Corrections (Albany County Program), AIDS Institute Office of Program Evaluation and Research
“In this project I have been involved with the data collection process implementing data cleaning checks for our database, and have helped give feedback and revised some of our forms. I was most excited to work with the Albany County Correctional Facility and interact with their staff and the inmates to get a better understanding of their perceptions of Medication Assisted Treatments through interviews. I have learned a lot about the field work process through this internship.”
Masters Students
Emily B.
MS student, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Intern with UPSIDE Study
“My work with Dr. Udo and Dr. Rosenberg has given me the opportunity to build an array of skills, from data management and analysis to creating promotional materials for participant recruitment. I feel as though this experience has given me a better perspective on how collaborative the field truly is and has kept me consistently engaged.”
Fareedat B.
MS student, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Intern, AIDS Institute Bureau of HIV/STD Field Services
“My mentors and team members are so supportive and encouraging. I’ve gained experience in analyzing and presenting information which has helped me better understand how data can be used to make informed public health decisions—and ultimately, effective programs.”
Aizhan K.
MS student, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Intern, AIDS Institute Bureau of HIV and AIDS Epidemiology
“This internship gave me priceless experience working with ‘real data’ to hone and apply the theoretical knowledge obtained during my study at UAlbany. Some novel strategies for prevention, care, treatment and outbreak response are utilized at the AIDS Institute. My internship experience will give new thoughts and approaches to improving research and public health measures in my home country.”
Anthony M.
MPH student, Department of Health Policy, Management and Behavior
Intern, AIDS Institute Office of the Medical Director
“I took Program Development with Dr. Christine Bolzak last spring and it has been really useful for my internship. The course taught me about the fundamentals and skills of creating a health program. This was helpful when working with stakeholders of PrEP Aware Week and working on the messaging to our college student demographic, especially while working remotely. I want to work in a position where I can help ensure that treatments like PrEP are able to be fully utilized to help the public. Through my current internship, I’m proud to already be fulfilling my career aspirations to improve people’s lives and create a positive change in society.”
Anaclare S.
MS student, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Graduate Research Assistant, AIDS Institute Office of Program Evaluation and Research
“Overall, I think the opportunity to use SAS in a real-world setting instead of just a classroom was the most beneficial part of this experience. I had taken SAS courses previously and was enrolled in SPH's course, but working with an actual dataset on the Health Equity project taught me so much more. Everyone with OPER was very supportive of the students and I credit that with helping to build my professional confidence in the job I have now.”
Isabella S.
MPH student, Department of Health Policy, Management and Behavior
Regulated Marijuana Program Intern, AIDS Institute Medical Marijuana Program
“I had an incredible experience during my time with the Medical Marijuana Program. Everyone was very welcoming and very willing to teach me about the program. I learned a great deal about health policy, NY's legislative process, the impacts that cannabis prohibition has had on certain communities, and more. The internship also improved my writing, time management, and collaboration skills and helped me define my public health interests.”