"Research Study Assistant"

Job ID52116

Location

Evanston, Illinois

Department: WCAS Anthropology

Salary/Grade: NEX/9

Job Summary:

A center for excellence in the study of evolutionary and ecological determinants of human health and development, Northwestern’s Department of Anthropology seeks a self-directed research study assistant to help support research. The Research Study Assistant supports qualitative and quantitative research, including recruitment and education of study participants, laboratory analysis of biomarkers of disease, and development of assay procedures to ensure the smooth functioning of research studies.

The successful applicant performs mixed-methods biomedical and social-behavioral research by conducting laboratory tests and procedures, setting up and operating equipment, and administering tests and/or questionnaires following protocols. This role requires a practical understanding of a limited number of standard scientific techniques. The position involves recording observations and measurements, collecting and compiling data in a research lab, and assisting in the preparation of material for inclusion in reports. All activities must strictly follow Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and all relevant local, state, and federal laws, regulations, guidance, policies, and procedures developed by the NU Institutional Review Board (IRB), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).

This is a full-time position at 37.5 hours per week. The position is a one-year grant-funded term position. Work will be conducted on campus and at off-site locations with some opportunities for remote work. More information will be discussed during the interview. The target hiring range is $20.00 - $23.98 per hour, or $39,150 - $46,940 annually. The offered rate will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Please note: Work will be conducted on campus and at off-site locations with some opportunities for remote work. Off-site locations include hospital clinics and outdoor public parks and other locations. The candidate will need to physically touch participants to fit them with study equipment and collect biomarker samples (finger-prick collection of small volume blood samples).

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Facilitates communication with key personnel and participants to maintain project study flow. Key personnel include faculty and staff of Northwestern University, Northwestern Medicine, and collaborators at other universities.
• Completes standard and routine clerical duties such as copying, filing, data entry, word processing, etc.
• Processes reimbursements for travel expenses.
• Monitors and distributes petty cash or other modes of payment to ensure prompt compensation of study participants.

Project Development and Reporting

• Performs scientific literature searches in support of research.
• Completes portions of grant applications and/or documents associated with current local, state, and federal regulatory guidelines, requirements, laws, and research protocols.
• Uses geographic information systems to evaluate and select study sites.

Recruit, Enroll, and Monitor Study Participants

• Consults with principal investigators and senior staff to determine pretreatment and eligibility requirements of the protocol from completion to registration of participants.
• Reviews medical records to identify potential study participants.
• Recruits study participants.
• Schedules study visits with participants.
• Reviews and obtains informed consent.
• Instructs study participants in their responsibilities.
• Conducts interviews with participants.
• Administers surveys.
• Scores survey results.
• Collects anthropometric data from participants.
• Collects biomarker samples (blood, saliva) following pre-defined protocols, policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Monitors participant adherence to the study protocol using established procedures.
• May train other research staff to interview/test participants.

Laboratory Analysis of Biomarker Samples

• Conducts analysis of biomarker samples following pre-defined protocols, policies, procedures, regulations, Good Clinical and Good Laboratory Practices, and conducts standard and repetitive experiments and completes basic troubleshooting techniques.
• Sets up, operates, and maintains standard lab equipment.
• Assists with the development of new assay procedures.
• Notifies the laboratory manager to order and replenish inventory of reagents and lab supplies.

Data Management

• Maintains detailed records of results, which may include collecting, extracting, and entering data; and/or preparing basic charts and graphs; may maintain databases.

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 a related field; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Two years of experience conducting enzyme-linked immunoassays or similar laboratory procedures.
• Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants and must re-certify every 3 years.
• Valid driver’s license and eligibility to qualify to drive Northwestern University vehicles.

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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.