Research Study Assistant

Department: Med-ISGMH
Salary/Grade: NEX/9

Job Summary:

Overview/Background about ISGMH

The Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing (ISGMH) is a university-wide institute dedicated to research that fosters understanding of the development and experiences of sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals and improves the health and wellbeing of their communities. It currently has multiple NIH- and foundation-funded research studies and actively collaborates with community-based organizations to conduct research and translate findings into interventions. ISGMH utilizes innovative modalities to disseminate knowledge widely to the SGM community, the public at large, scholars, service providers, educators, and policymakers. We are committed to creating a world of inclusion, health, and well-being for all. ISGMH hires the best people from a wide variety of backgrounds because drawing on their diverse perspectives and experiences will be the foundation of our institute's future success.

Description of team/unit

The THRIVE Center within ISGMH conducts cutting-edge translational research that spans the spectrum from basic science discovery to intervention development and implementation. Its faculty and staff are national leaders in research on SGM adolescent and young adult sexual health and HIV/STI prevention, bisexual health, queer women's health, alcohol and drug use, mental health, and romantic relationships and intimate partner violence. This position will be part of the FAB400 project team. FAB400 is a longitudinal cohort study of young sexual and gender minorities assigned female at birth. This includes young cisgender sexual minority women and non-binary and transgender individuals. FAB400 is examining predictors and consequences of mental health problems in this population of young people through self-report surveys, diagnostic interviews, and collection of biological specimens.

Description of the role

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

Expectations of the role

The Research Study Assistant is expected to be self-driven, detailed oriented, possess excellent organizational and communication skills, have the ability to work independently and have an interest and desire to develop new skills.

This role is expected to last for 5 years, with the possibility of extension. This is a grant-funded position and continued employment is reviewed annually, contingent upon performance. This is expected to be a hybrid in-person/remote position - we anticipate three in-person days per week. Some evening and occasional weekend hours are required.

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical

• Recruits study participants.
• Reviews & obtains informed consent.
• Schedules study visits with participants.
• Conducts interviews.
• Scores test results.
• Collects survey data.
• Reviews medical records.
• Consults with nurses & physicians to determine pretreatment & 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 & distributes 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.
• 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.)

• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to adhere to instructions/procedures.
• Good communication skills; demonstrated effective spoken and written communication, including willingness to ask questions when clarification or amplification is required.
• Good time management skills; efficient and resourceful in problem-solving.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of the work, possessing initiative, good follow-through; ability to work without supervision.
• Ability to receive and benefit from feedback; willingness to expand skill set and improve.
• Flexibility in adapting to new procedures and environments.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills, familiarity with Windows environment.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Experience working in public health and/or medical research.
• Experience with mental health and related issues.
• Experience working with LGBTQ and/or marginalized populations.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Knowledge of mental health issues.
• Knowledge of LGBTQ issues.
• Knowledge of racial disparities in health and related issues.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $17.05 to $23.98 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.

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 strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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