Position Summary
The Research Specialist will develop and implement standards for research protocol management, policies, and procedures for grants related to the IMAGE Efficacy trial. He/she will ensure the highest quality of research in compliance with all institutional and grant facility requirements.

The IMAGE Efficacy study is a randomized controlled trial to evaluate an innovative and uniquely tailored HIV/STI, sexual, and reproductive health intervention program designed for Black girls and their male caregivers. A major component of our study is engaging underrepresented families and communities in research using culturally sensitive methods. Data collection for the efficacy trial will be conducted in collaboration with community-based organizations in greater Chicago. IMAGE Efficacy trial will be conducted in collaboration with community-based organizations in greater Chicago. IMAGE Efficacy trial is funded by the National Institutes of Minority Health Disparities, R01MD018929.
Duties & Responsibilities

Coordinate community relations, research study design and protocol development, recruitment, and intervention implementation

Assist with community needs assessments and coordinate Community Advisory Board meetings

Maintain responsibility for designing/editing intervention curricula and materials, and developing study forms, measures, protocols, and training guides

Perform quality assurance checks on intervention sessions, i.e., ensure treatment fidelity

Create, modify, and maintain study strategic plans and timelines

Monitor study developments and define, create, and implement new procedures

Acquire and maintain IRB approval and Certificate of Confidentiality

Hire, train, guide, and supervise research staff, students, and lower level researchers

Supervise data collection staff and assure quality data collection and management

Oversee and organize all aspects of STI testing for the study including testing, notification, referral, and reporting. Coordinate HIV and HepC referral and testing.

Oversee and coordinate referral information for participants

Calculate weekly study recruitment and retention rates, enrollment and attendance at intervention sessions.

Lead study meetings and present weekly updates on implementation obstacles; and recruitment, retention, and attendance

Work with Business Manager & oversee grant finances, including revenue and expenses

Be the primary liaison between community-based organizations, and the research team, including building new relationships and maintaining existing partnerships.

Assist with or complete sponsor-related reports on study progress

Contribute material, analyze and prepare results, and assist in the writing and submission of research findings for publications, papers, presentations, and grants

Contribute to new grant proposals and assist in submission

Meet regularly with study PI/CoI to address implementation, clinical, and data issues

Conduct study activities and tasks as needed, including but not limited to, conducting research assessments or focus groups, tracking participants, and making referrals

Assist with or complete sponsor-related reports on study progress, including ClinicalTrials.gov.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.