What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Research Assistant position at Vital Research?
Are you detail-oriented, organized, and passionate about research that drives meaningful change? Vital Research is looking for a Research Assistant I (April-December 2025) to support research and evaluation projects across several areas including a large-scale seasonal survey research project focused on improving quality of life in Minnesota long-term care facilities.
Under the guidance of the Research Manager, you’ll play a key role in three critical areas:
- Scheduling – Communicating with assisted living administrators via phone and email to coordinate face-to-face interviews conducted by our Field Interviewers.
- Census Coordination – Managing electronic data collection, organizing data files, and ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with data security standards.
- Research and Evaluation Support – Collecting, auditing, processing, and coordinating data in support of research and evaluation projects.
This position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional with strong organizational skills, a proactive mindset, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. It offers a unique opportunity to support research that enhances quality of life while gaining hands-on experience in survey coordination, data management, and project execution.
What You’ll Do
Scheduling & Coordination
- Serve as a primary point of contact for scheduling interviews between assisted living staff and Field Interviewers.
- Place outgoing calls and emails to schedule and confirm appointments for upcoming interviews.
- Monitor and track project scheduling activities to ensure a seamless process.
- Proactively resolve scheduling conflicts and communicate updates to the internal team.
- Answer questions from facility administrators to ensure they are comfortable with the survey process.
Census & Data Management
- Receive and clean census data using Microsoft Access and Excel.
- Organize, match, and process data files from multiple sources.
- Generate assignment packets for Field Interviewers.
- Track, audit, and correct data errors to ensure data integrity.
- Upload findings to a secure database while maintaining strict confidentiality.
- Contact assisted living facilities to collect missing information when necessary.
- Ensure compliance with HIPAA and data security protocols.
- Ensure census data deadlines are met.
- Participate in data collection via survey administration, focus groups, observations, phone interviews, and verification calls.
- Enter quantitative and qualitative data.
- Administrative duties as needed, including taking and distributing meeting minutes to stakeholders, formatting documents, printing and mailing materials.
Requirements
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in social science or a related field.
1 years of administrative experience (post-graduate research experience preferred).
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in MS Excel (required) and MS Access (preferred).
- Familiarity with survey software (e.g., Alchemer) is a plus.
- Comfort using Zoom for phone calls.
- Understanding of fundamental research and evaluation principles.
- Familiarity of research and healthcare terminology is highly preferred.
Soft Skills
- Strong attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Clear, professional written and verbal communication.
- Problem-solving mindset with the ability to ask for assistance when needed.
- Capacity to multi-task, meet strict deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
Availability
- Must be available Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. PST in-office (40 hours/week, as needed).
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter by March 9, 2025.
Tentative Start Date: March 25, 2025
Tentative End Date: January 31, 2026 (based on project needs)
Application Deadline: March 9, 2025
Apply today!
About Vital Research
Founded in 1982, Vital Research is a national research consulting firm dedicated to delivering high-quality social science research. We partner with clients across 40 states and diverse industries, executing research, evaluation, and survey projects that answer critical questions, generate actionable insights, and transform communities. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all voices are heard and valued. Learn more about our work at www.vitalresearch.com.
Salary : $22
