Research Study Assistant Northwestern University

Chicago, IL:

Research Study Assistant Northwestern University

The Research Study Assistant performs biomedical and social-behavioral research by administering tests and questionnaires following protocols; collecting, compiling, tabulating and processing responses; gathering information; and assisting in the preparation of material for inclusion in reports.  The position completes all activities by strictly following Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and all relevant current local, state, and federal laws, regulations, guidance, policy and procedure developed by the NU Institutional Review Board (IRB), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).

Program Description: The IMPACT Program conducts research on LGBT Health and Development (see http://www.impactprogram.org). It currently has multiple NIH- and foundation-funded studies and actively collaborates with community-based organization to conduct research and translate findings into interventions. It is directed by Dr. Brian Mustanski and is based in the Department of Medical Social Sciences in the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. Extensive community ties have been a hallmark of the IMPACT Program since its inception, and it is now a resident partner with the Center on Halsted (COH).

Project Description:  RADAR, a new NIH/NIDA-funded study will build a dynamic dyadic-network cohort of young men who have sex with men (YMSM) by hybridizing existing cohorts of YMSM and enrolling their romantic partners into the study. The goal of this project is to apply a ‘next generation’ multilevel model to understand the syndemic of health problems among a large cohort of YMSM (age 16-29) and inform ‘high-impact’ HIV prevention with this vulnerable population. Multiple longitudinal observations of biological, individual, dyadic, and network data will be collected and analyzed.

Job Activities: The Research Study Assistant’s primary activities involve the scheduling and retention of research participants in the RADAR study with young people ages 16-29. The position’s specific activities include: following established protocols for contacting and scheduling participants; tracking participants for retention purposes; conducting study assessments; maintaining accurate, timely and detailed records of participant contact; maintaining and updating databases; and other project-related responsibilities.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Recruits study participants; reviews and obtains informed consent; schedules study visits with participants; conducts interviews; may score test results; collects survey data; and may review medical records;
• Consults with nurses and physicians to determine pretreatment and eligibility requirements of protocol from completion to registration of participants when necessary;
• Facilitates communication with key personnel and participants to maintain project study flow;
• Maintains detailed records of results which may include collecting, extracting and entering data; and preparing basic charts and graphs;
• Performs scientific literature searches in support of research; and complete portions of grant applications and documents associated with current local, state, and federal regulatory guidelines, requirements, laws and research protocols when necessary;
• Processes reimbursements for travel expenses; monitor and distribute petty cash when necessary;
• Processes invoices and purchase requisitions; and coordinate fund distribution among multiple sponsors and clinical sites;
• Trains other research staff to interview/test participants;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in a social or health science + no experience or 2 years practical research study or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired;
• Must complete NU’s IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants and must re-certify every 3 years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with LGBT youth;
• Experience working in public health, psychology, and medical research;
• Experience working in non-profit, community-based settings;
• Experience recruiting and tracking study participants or experience with youth development and community outreach;
• Strong project coordination skills and the ability to prioritize tasks;
• Effective time management skills;
• Efficient and resourceful in problem-solving;
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to adhere to instructions/procedures;
• Good communication skills; demonstrated effective spoken and written communication;
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of the work, possessing initiative, and good follow-through;
• Knowledge of basic computer skills, familiarity with Windows environment;
• Knowledge of HIV and HIV risk among YMSM;
• Ability to work in a team environment;
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and guidance;
• Ability to receive and benefit from feedback; willingness to expand skill set and improve;
• Flexibility in adapting to new procedures and environments.

As per Northwestern University policy, this position requires a criminal background check.  Successful applicants will need to submit to a criminal background check prior to employment.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Date Posted: 8/21/2014

Apply

The post Research Study Assistant Northwestern University appeared first on Seasons of Pride.