Research Study Assistant

Job Summary:

The Impact Institute at Northwestern University conducts research on the health of LGBTQ populations. We are committed to improving lives through pioneering research, data-driven evaluation, and evidence-based implementation strategies that promote health for all. Building on more than a decade of community-engaged work, the Impact Institute leads scientific innovations that advance health knowledge, transform healthcare delivery, and support thousands of individuals and families.

The Impact Institute is hiring a Research Project Coordinator for the FAB400 project, a multi-site, longitudinal study examining mental health trajectories among young sexual minority women from adolescence into early adulthood, with a focus on depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Grounded in minority stress theory, the study investigates biological, psychological, and social mechanisms of risk and resilience to inform the development of culturally responsive, evidence-based interventions to reduce mental health disparities in LGBTQ populations. This position will support study activities under the direction of the Research Study Coordinator.

The primary responsibilities include:

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 FAB400 project. The position's specific activities include: following established protocols for one-on-one socio-behavioral 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; and other project-related responsibilities.

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.

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.
• 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 and participant reward payments.
• Processes invoices &/or purchase requisitions.
• Coordinates fund distribution among multiple sponsors and clinical sites.

Supervision

• May train other research staff on tasks and duties performed in current position.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• 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: (Education and experience)

• Previous work experience involving direct interaction with participants or clients.
• Previous experience with the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning) community preferred.

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

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 between $17.05 - $21.31 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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