Research Assistant

University of Chicago - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

Educational Services

About the position

The Biological Sciences division, section of General Internal Medicine, at UChicago is dedicated to advancing research in health services and health disparities, particularly focusing on care for vulnerable populations, medical ethics, cost-effectiveness, and quality of care across various settings. Dr. Milda Saunders is seeking a Research Assistant to join her research team, contributing to the development and implementation of two grant-funded studies aimed at enhancing patient education for African American patients diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). These intervention studies will explore the effectiveness of educational initiatives in different settings, specifically within hospital and community environments. As a Research Assistant, you will play a crucial role in the recruitment, screening, and development of both studies, with a primary focus on the CKD community-based intervention study. This position requires collaboration with the Principal Investigator and other research staff to refine and implement study protocols, ensuring that the educational needs of patients are met effectively. You will attend training sessions to prepare for patient recruitment and enrollment, becoming familiar with the consent process and assisting with data collection. Regular participation in research meetings will be essential to discuss study progress and any necessary changes, as well as to assist with quality assurance audits and documentation related to the studies. This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about research and committed to improving health outcomes for underserved populations. You will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of patients with chronic diseases, while also developing your skills in research methodologies and patient interaction.

Responsibilities

• Works with the Principal Investigator and other research staff on the refinement and implementation of studies focusing on the education of patients diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
• Attend training sessions for the study recruitment and development.
• Conduct recruitment and enrollment of patients using hospital databases.
• Become familiar with the consent process of studies and how to describe the process to patients.
• Assist with data collection for studies.
• Attend weekly/bi-weekly research meetings with PI and study staff focusing on study progress and changes.
• Assist in additional duties for research studies provided by PI and project manager.
• Prepares for or participate in quality assurance audits under supervision or following specific protocol procedures.
• Participates in study-related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree.
• Knowledge or interest in chronic disease care, nephrology, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or similar topic.
• Experience working in research field.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Paid holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.