Research Study Assistant

Department: MED-Preventive Medicine
Salary/Grade: NEX/9

Target hiring range for this position will be between $19.18-$21.80 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.

Job Summary:

The Department of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University - Chicago Campus is looking for individuals with a passion for science and medicine for a part-time position with the opportunity to transition into a full-time research position. Our interdisciplinary research is focused on understanding the determinants and health outcomes of physical activity participation, designing and testing innovation physical activity promotion interventions, and the translation of this research into practice. This particular study is focused on testing which types of exercise are most effective at lowering blood pressure, and how, in young and middle-aged adults with hypertension. Research assistants assist in the day-to-day operations of the study including study material development, participant recruitment and retention, data collection and assessment, data entry and management, assisting with the coaching portal, and technology management (BP monitors, wearable devices) and troubleshooting.

This is a great opportunity for post-undergraduate students interested in eventually applying for medical or graduate school. Desired qualifications include good communication, writing and interpersonal skills, passion for health and fitness, ability to work well with others, detail-oriented, and the ability to work independently and as part of team. Priority will be given to individuals with prior human subjects research experience and a background in: kinesiology, exercise science, nutrition, psychology, public health, medicine, communications, or a related field. There is potential for opportunities to co-author abstract and manuscripts. Please contact Dr. Deepika Laddu at dladdu@northwestern.edu for more information.

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical

• Recruits study participants.
• Reviews & obtains informed consent.
• Schedules study visits with participants.
• Conducts interviews.
• Scores test results.
• Collects survey data.
• Assists with technology management and high-level troubleshooting.
• Reviews medical records.
• Consults with nurses & physicians to determine 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: (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.)

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated report writing skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within a research team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and the proven ability to liaise with key stakeholders.
• Proven high level organizational skills and ability to manage and prioritize workload and to meet deadlines.
• Sound skills in Microsoft Office Suite and statistical packages

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Prior research experience at an undergraduate level or above.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Prior experience using electronic data capture systems (e.g., REDCap)
• Prior experience with wearable devices (Fitbit, accelerometers), and remote data collection

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, 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.