Research Associate I

Under the moderate supervision and with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, performs routine research projects by participating in the recruitment activities of family studies of complex diseases such as diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease, and aging-related neurobiological disorders, funded by NIH and/or other relevant federal and private agencies. Will also work as a member of a large collaborative research team focused on family studies of complex diseases in Mexican Americans and other ethnic groups. May supervise the work of others.

Description of Duties

• Responsible for various recruitment-related activities to be performed in close association with the family member recruitment coordinator, study coordinator, and various study investigators.

• Perform standard study participant recruitment activities, such as making telephone calls, visiting addresses on file of study participants/relatives, and searching online public databases for possible newer contact information.

• Explain all necessary information about the study to participants; resolve issues regarding eligibility of study participation and incentives, such as laboratory results letters.

• Maintain communication regarding recruitment goals and data with study lab team through daily interactions and regular lab meetings.

• Present monthly recruitment progress reports to the study Principal Investigators and the recruitment team.

• Administer clinic interviews and physical measurements and their related paperwork as needed.

• Maintain spreadsheet files with study participant data of that includes schedules, cancellations, and re-schedules. Also perform data entry of new information obtained via recruitment or clinic visits. Some review of data quality will be needed before data analysis.

• Assist with lab-related research activities as needed, including transporting biological samples from the clinic site to on-site and off-site laboratories, processing of biological samples, and entering required laboratory data.

• Assist with IRB related issues such as progress reports and any matters related to preliminary data generation for grant submissions.

• May assist in designing and creating computer programs for research applications.

• Operates and maintains equipment and automated systems.

• May train users on the operation and data management of research equipment.

• Maintains inventory of research related material.

• Complies with all State and University policies.

• Other duties may be assigned.

Supervision Received

Specific supervision from assigned supervisor.

Supervision Given

May carry out limited responsibilities in accordance with the project objectives, policies and applicable laws guidance for student employees.

Required Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry or Biochemistry or related field from an accredited University in an applicable discipline.

Preferred Education

N/A

Licenses/Certifications

None.

Required Experience

No minimum experience required.

Preferred Experience

Prior research experience in recruitment of participants for health-related studies, particularly in Mexican American populations. Experience recruiting for participation in medical-related studies; proficiency in writing in Spanish. Fluency in Spanish.

Equipment

Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis, of measurement, testing, and evaluation, and of research methods, principles, techniques, and philosophies. Skilled in conducting qualitative and quantitative research and in using computers, software, and statistical tools and programs. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee research projects, evaluate research data, ensure the development of measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity, interpret and publish research findings, and communicate effectively. Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.

Working Conditions

Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public. This position is designed for full-time employees. May work some evenings and/or weekends.

Physical Capabilities Employment Category Full-Time Minimum Salary Commensurate with Experience Posted Salary Commensurate with Experience Position Available Date 06/17/2024 Grant Funded Position Yes If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date 11/30/2024