Research Assistant

Position Summary

The Department of Psychology at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) invites applications for a full-time research assistant (RA) in Dr. Nancy Jao’s research lab starting in May or June 2025.

Dr. Jao’s research lab (The Health, Behaviors, and Tobacco Use (HaBiT) Research Lab) focuses on examining underlying biobehavioral and psychological relationships to understand the impact of smoking on biological processes influencing nicotine dependence and health disparities. Dr. Jao’s current research focuses on understanding the health effects of tobacco products to help regulatory agencies identify and quantify the potential impact of public policies. The RA will primarily contribute to a clinical trial research study funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) examining the effect of menthol cigarette use on cardiovascular disease risk. The RA will also assist on other research projects and collaborations in the HaBiT Research Lab including: 1) investigating the impact of flavored tobacco product use on clinical biomarkers in longitudinal, nationally-representative studies; and 2) developing collaborations with community organizations to examine the role of stigma and smoking among LGBTQ individuals and rural populations. 

For more information about Dr. Jao and the HaBiT Research Lab, please visit: https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/faculty/nancy-c-jao/

The RA will have the opportunity to gain experience in human-subject clinical research, experimental design, recruitment, data collection and analysis. The primary responsibilities of the RA will focus on conducting study-related activities, including managing participant recruitment and retention, obtaining informed consent, administering study interviews and assessments, processing study biospecimens, and maintaining study databases. The RA will obtain experiences in clinical trial methodology, human subject research, biomarker measurements, ecological momentary assessment, and in-person interview assessments. The position will also provide the opportunity to learn about tobacco research and clinical psychology more broadly. Based on the RA’s interests and goals, the RA may also have opportunities to be involved in data analyses, contribute to conference presentations or manuscripts, and obtain mentorship on applying for graduate or medical school programs. 

The RA position requires the ability to be in-person at RFUMS (North Chicago, IL), although the RA will have the option to work remotely on days without in-person lab responsibilities. 

Interested applicants must provide a resume/CV with a list of three potential references, and a cover letter highlighting any relevant experiences or skills in order to be considered. Application review will begin immediately and be conducted on a rolling basis.

Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short term and long term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan which includes a 8% employer contribution after 2 years of service. RFUMS is committed to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Full time staff are eligible for 3 weeks of vacation/ paid leave, 15 sick days, and 13 holidays plus two floating holidays. 

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. 

Today, the university’s 6 colleges continue Dr Franklin’s legacy through rigorous academics, pioneering research, and innovative community service. Our unique interprofessional education model allows students to learn from and with each other in a variety of settings, including our simulation labs, the student-led Interprofessional Community Clinic, and through partnerships with area hospitals and clinics. RFU is a national leader in interprofessional research and practices, and is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance.  

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Technical

• Recruits study participants, including conducting phone screens, describing and answering questions about study, and screening for eligibility
• Reviews & obtains informed consent.

• Schedules study visits with participants.
• Implements all aspects of study protocols
• Conducts study data collection, including session interviews, assessments, and surveys
• Schedules and performs necessary specimen collection and routine processing and associated clerical duties 
• Completes required study administration tasks, including data entry, study tracking, preparation of study materials
• Maintains detailed records of results and study data
• Monitors and distributes petty cash or other reimbursement for expenses
• Facilitates communication with study personnel & participants to maintain project study flow. 

Miscellaneous

• Participate in lab and study-related meetings
• Contributes to the development or management of research manuscripts or grants, including conducting scientific reviews, creating figures/tables, or performing data cleaning or analyses
• Assists in the training of staff, students, or interns on study protocols and procedures
• Performs other research or lab administrative duties as required

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check

Required Education & Experience

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  

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Communicate effectively one-to-one and in small groups

• Ability to plan, organize, and schedule in an efficient, productive manner
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (e.g., Excel, Word, Powerpoint)
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and time management skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Flexibility to accommodate study needs and participants’ scheduling 

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with human subject research
• Previous experience in a clinical research environment
• Basic clinical interviewing or assessment experience
• Previous experience with substance use research or assessment
• Knowledge of data management or assessment software (e.g., Qualtrics)

• Knowledge of data processing and analysis software (e.g., SPSS)

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets