Research Project Liaison

Department: MED-Psych & Behavioral Science
Salary/Grade: NEX/11

Job Summary:

To be considered for this position, please include a cover letter.

The Health Disparities and Public Policy program in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is conducting the Northwestern Juvenile Project: a longitudinal research study of the needs and outcomes of youth in juvenile detention (sampled between 1995-1998; now median age 43). Research Project Liaisons use strong interpersonal skills, online resources, locating information, and organizational skills to locate participants, invite them for interviews, schedule their interviews, manage participant payments, coordinate participant outreach/engagement, maintain the research study operations database, and coordinate activities with field interviewers and participant locators. The role is limited to operational activities and does not provide opportunity for academic activities such as statistical analysis, presentations, or manuscript preparation.

The liaison attends weekly team meetings, quarterly all-staff meetings, and weekly meetings with their supervisor to discuss updates on the status of tracking cases, pending interviews, and other special projects.

Each week, the liaison will work 2 weekday shifts (approximately 9am - 5pm), 2 evening shifts (approximately 11am - 7pm) and 1 weekend shift (Saturday or Sunday). Liaisons can work remotely up to two weekdays. Specifics to be determined.

Onboarding and training are conducted in-person at the office on Northwestern's Chicago campus.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job summary and description.

**Note: Schedule subject to change based on staffing needs; however, it will not exceed 1 weekend day and 2 evening shifts per week

Supervisor provides objectives, deadlines and specific instructions only for new, difficult, and/or unusual work. Work is reviewed upon completion and only occasionally to verify technical accuracy and compliance with practice, policy, and procedures. EE informs supervisor of on-going progress and/or potentially controversial matters.

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical

• Participates in the planning & conduct of research study including participant recruitment and retention.
• Collects, records, reviews & summarizes research data.
• Gathers information.
• Monitors and updates content of social media platforms accessed by participants.

Administration

• Maintains detailed records of administrative and tracking efforts.
• Enters information into spreadsheets &/or databases.
• Prepares reports for investigators and sponsors on recruitment status and other pertinent study data.
• Completes documents associated with current local, state, & federal regulatory guidelines, requirements, laws & research protocols.

Finance

• Processes payments for research participants per study protocol.
• Enters, tracks, and maintains documents and logs of financial transactions.
• Assists with reconciliation of accounts.
• Investigates and resolves discrepancies.

Coordination

• Contacts participants to schedule interviews.
• Confirms and updates participant locating information during each contact with participants and collateral contacts.
• Responds to and documents incoming phone calls from participants and field staff.
• Communicates important information via phone, e-mail, mail, Teams, Zoom, etc.
• Schedules study visits with participants and coordinates interviews with field staff.
• Coordinates field materials for interviews.
• Prepares and mails interview due letters, birthday cards, consent documents, response cards, and mass mailings to participants.
• Tracks hard to find participants via telephone, social media, mail, and online resources.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 2 years of research study or other relevant experience required;
• Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Experience working with at-risk adults and teens
• Excellent computer skills including some database experience
• Strong telephone skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills (listening, encouraging, explaining)
• Aptitude for precise and accurate work
• Ability to work independently and efficiently

Target hiring range for this position will be between $19.89 - 27.97 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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