Research Study Assistant

Job Summary:

Performs research activities for multiple Implementation Science social-behavioral research studies focused on HIV public health. Responsibilities include participant recruitment, obtaining informed consent, processing participant incentives and invoices, and scheduling meetings, interviews, and other study activities. Completes all activities by strictly following Good Clinical Practices (GCP) & all relevant current local, state, & federal laws, regulations, guidance, policy & procedures developed by the NU Institutional Review Board (IRB), Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), & the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).

Project Description: Implementation Science to Enhance Models of Care for HIV/AIDS

We have the tools to end the HIV epidemic in the US, but implementation and reach of effective strategies remain poor. Northwestern investigators Dennis Li and Nanette Benbow lead the ACCELERATE program at the Impact Institute (https://accelerate.northwestern.edu/). ACCELERATE's work is focused on using implementation science methods to enhance public health systems for communities impacted by HIV and syndemics. The program frequently collaborates with the Chicago Department of Public Health and local HIV service agencies. This position will support multiple research and technical assistance projects, including:

• "Collaborative to Enhance Access for Suppression to End HIV" (CEASE-HIV) aims to implement and evaluate an evidence-based model of low-barrier care (LBC) for PWH with complex needs across a network of CDPH-funded HIV clinical agencies. After facilitating adaptation and adoption of LBC among clinics through a learning collaborative, we will study LBC implementation and assess its impact on citywide care engagement and viral suppression rates. We are completing the learning collaborative phase and preparing for implementation.
• "Researchers Establishing with Community Implementers Priorities to End HIV" (RECIPE-HIV), aims to establish community-driven research priorities to support communities impacted by HIV, substance use, and co-occurring concerns.
• Additional project(s) pending funding.

Institute Description: Impact Institute

ACCELERATE is housed within Northwestern University's Impact Institute (https://impact-institute.northwestern.edu/), a university-wide institute dedicated to fostering research on the health of LGBTQ populations. Impact currently has multiple NIH- and foundation-funded studies and actively collaborates with community-based organizations to conduct research and translate findings into interventions. It is directed by Dr. Brian Mustanski.

This is a term position ending on May 31st, 2027. Opportunity for renewal will be based on performance and available funding.

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical

• Recruits study participants.
• Reviews & obtains informed consent.
• Schedules study visits with 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, and/or preparing basic charts & graphs.
• Performs scientific literature searches in support of research.

Finance

• Processes reimbursements for travel expenses.
• Processes invoices &/or purchase requisitions.

Miscellaneous

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.)

• Strong ability to prioritize tasks.
• Effective time management skills
• Efficient and resourceful in problem-solving.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to adhere to instructions/procedures.
• Good communication skills; demonstrated effective spoken and written communication.

• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of the work, possessing initiative, and good follow-through.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Experience working in or education in public health, implementation, and/or program evaluation research.
• Experience with HIV/AIDS and related issues.
• Experience working with LGBTQ and/or marginalized populations.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Familiarity with communications platforms such as Outlook and MailChimp.
• Familiarity with design platforms such as Canva.
• Knowledge of LGBTQ issues.
• Knowledge of racial disparities in health and related issues.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $17.05 - $21.31per 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 University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.