Visiting Research Associate I – HCHS/SOL

Department of Medicine

The University of Illinois Department of Medicine is seeking candidates for Visiting Research Associate I positions in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). HCHS/SOL is a multi-center epidemiologic study in Hispanic/Latino populations to assess the role of acculturation in the prevalence and development of disease, and to identify factors playing a protective or harmful role in the health of Hispanics/Latinos. The target population of 16,000 persons of Hispanic/Latino origin, specifically Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Mexican, and Central/South American, were recruited through four Field Centers in Miami, San Diego, Chicago and the Bronx area of New York. As part of this dynamic team, the Research Associate I staff are point persons in scheduling study participants and conducting the study measurements per study protocols.

The Visiting Research Associate I staff will: 1) Utilize communication skills to gain agreement from members to continue to participate in the research program; persistently forge trusting relationships and engage individuals not readily familiar with the research. 2) Support participants in completion of informed consent procedures and questionnaires. 3) Conduct the physical measurements component of the interview (including height, weight, hip and waist circumference, automated blood pressure, and ancillary study procedures) and biospecimen collection and processing. 4) Enter data related to physical measures and biospecimen samples. 5) Maintain detailed records of clinic operations and prepare written reports. 6) Work with recruitment staff regarding participant flow operations, and with community liaisons on dissemination of findings. 7) Follow IRB protocol as outlined by study protocols. 8) Responsible for other clinic-related duties such as preparing for the participant visits, setting up exam rooms, entering data, performing data and equipment quality control checks.

Bachelor's degree in social science or related field required Bilingual and Bicultural in Spanish Demonstrates multicultural sensitivity with the ability to effectively and collaboratively work with diverse populations. Excellent communication skills. Knowledge of basic research concepts, practices and procedures. Ability to review and adhere to research protocols with great attention to detail. Ability to meet and maintain punctuality and attendance expectations Shift Hours: 7 am to 3:30pm weekdays and weekend days. Both full-time (40 hours per week) and part-time positions available.

Duties:

Utilize communication skills to gain agreement from members to continue to participate in the research program; persistently forge trusting relationships and engage individuals not readily familiar with the research.

Support participants in completion of informed consent procedures and questionnaires.

Conduct the physical measurements component of the interview (including height, weight, hip and waist circumference, automated blood pressure, and ancillary study procedures) and biospecimen collection and processing.

Enter data related to physical measures and biospecimen samples.

Maintain detailed records of clinic operations and prepare written reports.

Work with recruitment staff regarding participant flow operations and with community liaisons on dissemination of findings.

Follow IRB protocol as outlined by study protocols.

Responsible for other clinic-related duties as required such as preparing for the participant visits, setting up and cleaning the exam rooms, entering data, performing data and equipment quality control checks.

Bachelor's degree in social science or related field required

Bilingual and Bicultural in Spanish.

Demonstrates multicultural sensitivity with the ability to effectively and collaboratively work with diverse populations.

Excellent communication skills.

Knowledge of basic research concepts, practices and procedures.

Ability to review and adhere to research protocols with great attention to detail.

Ability to meet and maintain punctuality and attendance expectations (Shift Hours: 7 am to 3:30pm weekdays and weekend days. Hours Per Week: 40)