"Research Interventionist, Department of Health & Exercise Science"

Job Description Summary

Implements, coordinates, and administers research-funded study interventions, to include nutrition, weight loss, spontaneous physical activity and/or structured exercise protocols. Interaction with study participants is substantial, however additional managerial responsibilities such as policy and protocol development, adverse event management and/or Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) reporting may be required. Interacts with study subjects, other departmental or University staff, and Principal Investigator; may also interact on behalf of PI with external and employ independent decision-making with regards to implementation of study protocols and study administration, as appropriate. Position is grant-funded (2.0 yrs) and subject to annual renewal by sponsor.

Job Description

Essential Functions:

• In compliance with study protocol, delivers and manages research-related nutrition, weight loss, physical activity, and/or exercise interventions for older adults. Exercises independent judgment to revise or adapt protocols within the context of participant capabilities and study aims.
• Monitors subject compliance with study protocols, prepares individual progress reports for participants, and supervises intervention scheduling of participants. Administers contact protocols for follow-up with non-adherent study participants.
• Collects and compiles information on adverse events and submits reports to Principal Investigator; the Institutional Review Board; Data and Safety Monitoring Board; study sponsor; and/or other study stakeholders as necessary. Organizes, compiles, and enters intervention data into web-based data entry application(s) and performs data verification and “cleaning” functions.
• Assists Principal Investigator and other study staff with data reduction and analysis as needed.
• Uses professional judgment to ensure the safety of study participants and ensure operational efficiency. Make independent decisions concerning participants and special situations related to study intervention(s).
• Comply with Institutional policies, study protocols and procedures, and DHHS and IRB guidelines for human subject’s research.

Other Functions:

• May oversee work of student workers. Performs planning, organizing, or administrative functions in support of and necessary to the successful completion of study protocol(s).
• Trains new personnel as needed

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in Health & Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, or related field. Experience prescribing and conducting preventive and/or rehabilitative exercise programs preferred. CPR certification required. Training in the protection of human subjects required within six months of hire.
• Proficiency in developing, implementing, and administering individual and group exercise for older adults.
• Ability to recognize and appropriately respond to exercise-related adverse events.
• General knowledge of human research procedures and practices, and ability to develop, implement, and administer research-based exercise training, activity, and/or behavioral change protocols.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster relationships with individuals who have diverse educational and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and formulate independent judgments consistent with research policies, practices, and protocols. Make administrative and procedural decisions and formulate independent judgments.
• Ability to work independently; accept responsibility; delegate; work collaboratively; and manage multiple tasks efficiently to ensure the successful outcome of project protocols.
• Proficiency with word processing software (preferably Word) and spreadsheet applications; familiarity with database applications and statistical software.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Prior human subjects research experience.
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certification.
• Experience with behavioral weight loss interventions; preference given to candidates with RD credential

Accountabilities:

• Responsible for own work.
• May oversee the work of student employees, volunteers, and/or interns.
• May exercise independent judgment in working and collaborating with personnel from Wake Forest School of Medicine / Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift objects related to exercise training weighing 25lbs (dumbbells, floor mats, etc.); Ability to bend, stoop, grasp, and reach; manual dexterity sufficient to adjust exercise equipment; exerting up to 20 pounds of force and lifting to 50 pounds occasionally. Required to be physically fit for moderate-intensity walking. Standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Close visual acuity.

Environmental Conditions:

• Not exposed to adverse environmental conditions; work is performed in indoor settings with climate control; May perform finger stick blood glucose testing; PPE and training in Blood-Borne Pathogens provided