Visiting Research Specialist - Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science

Hiring Department: Department of Medicine

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1023490

Posting Close Date: 3/4/24

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Description:

Position Summary

The Visiting Research Specialist coordinatex research activities for the IMARA for Black Male Caregivers and Girls Empowerment (IMAGE) project. The Visiting Research Specialist develops and implements standards for research protocol management, policies, and procedures for grants related to the IMAGE Efficacy trial. The Visiting Research Specialist ensures the highest quality of research in compliance with all institutional and grant facility requirements. This position contributes to the design and delivery of research projects and collaborates with researchers to develop, execute, and interpret research projects. Performs complex data collection and study methods.

Duties & Responsibilities

Research

• Collaborate with Principle Investigator and researchers to develop objectives and design of research projects and proposals.
• Coordinate community relations, research study design and protocol development, recruitment, and intervention implementation.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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/Co I 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.
• Formulate and conduct research studies and analyses.
• Performs complex data collection and study methods.
• Analyze and evaluate research results.
• Replicate, refine and add new research approaches based on project needs.
• Test, customize and implement new methods and procedures.
• Develop and write advanced, comprehensive protocols.
• Monitor project developments on an ongoing basis.
• Propose and implement changes as needed.

Communication

• Contribute material, prepare results, and assist in the writing of research findings for publications, papers, presentations, grants, and other documents for publication.
• Assist principal investigator in grant and manuscript submission. • Work with Business Manager & oversee grant finances, including revenue and expenses.
• Lead study meetings and present weekly updates on implementation obstacles; and recruitment, retention, and attendance.

Staff Management

• Guide, train and advise lower level researchers and students on techniques, methods and procedures.
• Assist with community needs assessments and coordinate Community Advisory Board meetings.
• Hire, train, guide, and supervise research staff, students, and lower-level researchers.
• Regular travel to community recruitment and intervention sites.
• Supervise data collection staff and assure quality data collection and management.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social science or related field required.
• A minimum of 3 years related research experience.
• Possesses and applies advanced knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods.

• Master’s degree in science preferred.
• Experience managing a research study required, including working collaboratively with community partners and performance sites, IRB and related institutional requirements for the conduct of research, and experience in the collection, verification, and/or management of data for randomized controlled trials.
• Experience working with Federal Regulations and IRB’s.
• Experience working with youth from vulnerable populations.
• Experience managing a research study including supervisory experience.
• HIV testing and counseling experience.
• Strong professional references
• Excellent organizational, communication, presentation, and computer/pc skills, strong attention to detail, as well as the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks, be flexible, and work autonomously, are critical for this position.
• The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to maintain high standards of accuracy, timeliness, and professionalism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other related software.
• Proficiency in REDCap.
• Experience with community-based research, a plus Experience in implementation science research.
• Experience in sexual health intervention delivery and training.
• Knowledge of research protocols, principles and procedures; knowledge of aspects of clinical trials such as screening, interviewing; knowledge of experimental design, statistics, computer, applications and data management; oral and written communication skills; knowledge of science such as nursing, psychology or public health; ability to identify, produce, organize, evaluate and interpret data; knowledge of ethics and regulatory procedures (i.e. informed consent, IRB applications, data safety and monitoring plans) involved with research; ability to work as a member of a project team; knowledge of tasks required for research.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

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