Research Study Assistant

Job Summary:

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

Job Activities: The Research Study Assistant's primary activities involve completing study visits on the RADAR project. The position's specific activities include: following established protocols for one-on-one sociobehavioral interviews with participants; obtaining informed consent or assent; data collection; conducting study assessments; maintaining accurate, timely and detailed records of participant contact; maintaining and updating databases; managing monthly E-raffles; and other project-related responsibilities. The Research Study Assistant will be responsible for conducting HIV testing and counseling as part of the study procedures. If the candidate does not have an HIV testing and counseling certificate currently, they can obtain the certificate during training.

The Research Assistant (RA) is expected to work in-person at study sites without a regular work from home schedule. The position will also require some evening hours (e.g., 11 AM - 7 PM) and weekend shifts to maximize retention efforts for study participants who are unavailable during the regular workday.

We are seeking a diverse pool of candidates. Candidates from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in research are encouraged to apply.

Supervisor provides objectives, detailed deadlines and general instructions. Work is reviewed for technical accuracy and compliance with instructions, practice, policy and procedures. EE meets frequently with supervisor to obtain instructions regarding general phases of work and in some cases as to specific details.

Work Location Requirement

As this role supports an in-person research study, full-time on-site presence is required. Direct coordination with participants, staff, and study resources must occur on campus to ensure the integrity of study operations and participant engagement. Remote, hybrid, or work-from-home arrangements are not possible for this position.

Driver's License Requirement

Because this position involves the use of a mobile unit to conduct research study visits, applicants must hold a valid driver's license and meet the eligibility criteria of the University's Safe Driver Program. This includes following all program guidelines regarding responsibilities, safe driving practices, and authorization for vehicle use on University business.

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical

• Recruits study participants.
• Reviews & obtains informed consent.
• Schedules study visits with participants.
• Conducts interviews.
• Scores test results.
• Collects survey data.
• Reviews medical records.
• Consults with nurses & physicians to determine pretreatment & eligibility requirements of protocol from completion to registration of participants.
• Facilitates communication with key personnel & participants to maintain project study flow.

Administration

• Maintains detailed records of results which may include collecting, extracting & entering data; &/or preparing basic charts & graphs.
• Performs scientific literature searches in support of research.
• Completes portions of grant applications &/or documents associated with current local, state, & federal regulatory guidelines, requirements, laws & research protocols.

Finance

• May process reimbursements for travel expenses.
• Monitors & distribute petty cash.
• Processes invoices &/or purchase requisitions.
• Coordinates fund distribution among multiple sponsors and clinical sites.

Supervision

• May train other research staff to interview/test participants.

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.

• Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years.

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

• Ability to interact with participants of diverse backgrounds.

• Excellent communication skills with effective spoken and written communication.

• Strong coordination skills and the ability to prioritize tasks.

• Efficient and resourceful in problem-solving.

• Effective time management skills.

• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to adhere to instructions/procedures.

• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of the work, possessing initiative, and good follow-through.

• Knowledge of basic computer skills, familiarity with Windows environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous work experience involving direct interaction with participants or clients.

• Previous experience with the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning) community and/or LGBTQ youth preferred.

• Experience working in public health, psychology, and/or medical research.

• Phlebotomy experience (training available if not certified).

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Ability to work in a team environment.

• Ability to work with minimum supervision and guidance.

• Flexibility in adapting to new procedures and environments.

• Ability to receive and benefit from feedback; willingness to expand skill set and improve performance.

• HIV pre/posttest counseling and training

Target hiring range for this position will be up to $44,990.40 per year. 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.