Research Assistant 3

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $46,035 per hour.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working with a high degree of independence and under general direction, the Research Assistant 3 is responsible for study implementation procedures and the management of data for a research study investigating disparities in sleep, fatigue, and functioning in Greater Cleveland young adolescents. Working closely with the principal investigator and in collaboration with the research team, the assistant will coordinate all research activities, managing all research protocols and standard operating procedures, and providing direct oversight of research assistants collecting study data. The assistant will monitor and revise data collection tools, databases, and procedures as warranted and assist the principal investigator with data management, quality assurance, and study alignment with regulatory oversight. The assistant will communicate with potential participant families, conduct study procedures with participating families, interface with the study's co-investigator teams, assure human subjects' compliance, and address problems that may occur.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinate all research activities that are undertaken in participants' homes, developing, and managing all research protocols and standard operating procedures with precision, working in-person with and providing oversight to research team members on a regular basis and with participant families as needed. Research activities include participant recruitment, study visits, informed consent, development of databases, data collection, and participant interviews. (35%)
• Work closely with the principal investigator to ensure the protection of human subjects in research, compliance of research activities with regulatory oversight bodies, and rigor and relevance of research activities and data collection in contributing to the field of Sleep Health. Modify or develop new procedures and policies. Address key issues in data collection and quality assurance, recruitment, retention, and other substantive issues. (20%)
• Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Make home study visits to obtain informed consent, HIPPA authorization and maintain confidentiality. Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Furnish participants with data collection equipment (accelerometers, smart watch, and smart phone) and explain use during study visits. Administer psychosocial instruments to study participants during study visits. Perform periodic contact with families to schedule visits. (20%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervise the training and performance of lower-level study team members and students working as research assistants or interns on the research study. Ensure professionalism, human subjects' research and public health compliance, study rigor, and supportive supervision. (5%)
• Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training, including developing advanced data collection methods and creating innovative procedures for participant recruitment and retention. Utilize these new and innovative research techniques to assist the principal investigator in developing and evaluating protocols for study implementation and data collection/maintenance methods. (5%)
• Perform high level, complex analysis, and calculation of study data, interpret, and make recommendations, prepare abstracts for scientific meetings and publications. Prepare meeting agendas, minutes, and progress reports and share study updates weekly with the principal investigator and research team members. (5%)
• Attend investigator team meetings to provide study updates and troubleshoot issues related to the research studies. (5%)
• Manage study office materials and supplies. (5%)
• Maintain required certifications for protection of human subjects (CREC hours). Complete yearly conflict of interest statement. Maintain research credentials. (<1%)
• May monitor the laboratory budget. (<1%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with the principal investigator, co-investigators, and other research team members to collaborate on work. Contact with the other School of Medicine research staff and faculty conducting related studies.

University: Contact with investigators conducting similar research within the university at education and research meetings to exchange information.

External: Contact with co-investigators and their teams at the RAND Corporation, University of Pittsburgh, and Northeastern University, and University Hospitals to exchange information.

Students: Infrequent contact with MPH, BA, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD and other students and fellows who may assist with the project for supervisory purposes.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Supervise the training and performance of lower-level study team members and the work of students or trainees assisting with the project.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required, preferably including a minimum of 1 year of experience collecting data from adolescent and adult participants in home settings.

Education/Licensing: Bachelor's degree in science or health-related area. Valid driver's license required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Proactive, independent, and self-directed in performing work with excellence.
• Highly organized with a keen ability to develop tools, systems, and strategies to maintain research materials, documents, and data in coordination with other team members, often across institutions.
• Technologically proficient in use of Microsoft Office products, data management programs including REDCap, cloud-based project management platforms, email, and information searches.
• Excellent social and interpersonal skills with individuals from a wide range of economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong project management/coordination and data management skills, including experience with IRB submissions.
• Comfortable engaging and interviewing participants in home settings.
• Highly motivated, conscientious, and willing to learn.
• Excellent interviewing skills and excellent command of verbal and written English language.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work under limited supervision and to problem solve effectively. Must demonstrate good judgment and logical decision-making.
• Ability to develop and manage databases in REDCap.
• Ability to administer data collection instruments.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

No exposure to hazardous materials. Must be able to travel between Case Western Reserve University and community sites (e.g., residences, organizations) as needed. Must be able to use a computer and technology with ease on a regular basis. Must be able to engage with participants, Cleveland study team members, Co-investigators and their teams, and community members regularly. Must be able to wear a mask if needed when engaging in-person with others.

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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