Research Study Assistant

Job Summary

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

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.

• Technical
  • Recruit study participants.
  • Review and obtain informed consent.
  • Schedule study visits with participants.
  • Conduct interviews.
  • Score test results.
  • Collect survey data.
  • Review medical records.
  • Consult with nurses and physicians to determine pretreatment and eligibility requirements of the protocol from completion to registration.
  • Facilitate communication with key personnel and participants to maintain project study flow.
• Administration
  • Maintain detailed records of results which may include collecting, extracting and entering data; and preparing basic charts and graphs.
  • Perform scientific literature searches in support of research.
  • Complete portions of grant applications and/or documents associated with current regulatory guidelines, requirements, laws and research protocols.
• Finance
  • May process reimbursements for travel expenses.
  • Monitor and distribute petty cash.
  • Process invoices and/or purchase requisitions.
  • Coordinate fund distribution among multiple sponsors and clinical sites.
  • Supervision: may train other research staff to interview/test participants.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 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 an appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Must complete NU’s IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants and must re‑certify every 3 years.

• 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.

• Previous work experience involving direct interaction with participants or clients.
• Previous experience with the LGBTQ community and/or LGBTQ youth preferred.
• Experience working in public health, psychology, and/or medical research.
• Phlebotomy experience (training available if not certified).

• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to work…