Research Assistant I (Temporary)

Vital Research is seeking four detail-oriented and organized temporary Research Assistant team members to support our Aging & Disabilities team with two Quality of Life projects involving large-scale survey research with assisted living and nursing facility partners.  

Project Assignments:

• MN QOL: August 4, 2026 – December 18, 2026
• OH QOL: August 24, 2026 – January 22, 2027
• OH QOL (additional position): September 8, 2026 – December 18, 2026

Under the direct supervision of the Research Manager, this role supports project success through three primary functions:

1. Scheduling & Coordination – Communicating with assisted living and nursing facility staff via phone and email to coordinate face-to-face interviews conducted by Field Interviewers.
2. Census Coordination & Data Management – Oversee electronic data collection, managing, and validating data files, and ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with data security standards.
3. Research & Evaluation Support – Assisting with data collection, auditing, processing, and coordination to support research and evaluation initiatives.

To promote efficiency, consistency, and quality, Research Assistants will generally be assigned to one primary functional area at a time based on project needs and workload demands. While all team members will receive training across the project's core functions, day-to-day responsibilities will typically focus on a specific area of work rather than rotating among multiple functions simultaneously.

What You’ll Do

Scheduling & Coordination

• Coordinate and schedule interviews between assisted living/nursing facility staff and Field Interviewers.
• Conduct phone and email outreach to confirm appointments, provide reminders, and resolve scheduling needs.
• Monitor project schedules, track activities, and communicate updates to internal teams.
• Respond to facility administrator questions and support a positive survey experience.

Data Collection & Management

• Support research activities through surveys, focus groups, observations, interviews, verification calls, and collection of missing information from facilities.
• Collect, clean, validate, and process census and research data using Microsoft Excel, Access, and related tools.
• Organize, audit, and maintain quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare assignment materials and upload findings to secure databases.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, data security, and privacy requirements.
• Meet project deadlines while maintaining quality standards.

Administrative & Project Support

• Provide administrative support including meeting documentation, document formatting, printing, mailing, and other project-related activities.
• Complete additional duties as assigned to support team and project objectives.

What You Bring

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social science or a related field.
• One year of administrative, research, healthcare, or related experience.
• Availability Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. PST (approximately 40 hours/week as needed).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting research, evaluation, survey administration, or healthcare-related projects.
• Familiarity with healthcare terminology and research methodologies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel; experience with Microsoft Access and survey software (e.g., Alchemer) preferred.
• Comfortable using virtual meeting platforms, including Zoom.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate records and data integrity.
• Excellent organization, time management, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a customer service mindset.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow confidentiality, data security, and privacy protocols.

About Vital Research 

Founded in 1982, Vital Research is a national research consulting firm specializing in delivering quality social science research. Our mission is to create vibrant communities by amplifying diverse voices and experiences through culturally responsive social science research and evaluation. Our team executes research, evaluation, and survey projects for clients across forty states spanning multiple industries. The result – we help clients answer key questions, generate useful findings, and transform communities.

About the Role

This temporary opportunity is ideal for individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in research operations, data management, and project coordination. The role offers exposure to large-scale survey research activities while supporting meaningful work that improves quality of life outcomes for assisted living and nursing facility residents.

This is a temporary position with no guaranteed extension, conversion, or advancement opportunities. Future opportunities may become available based on business needs, performance, organizational priorities, and available positions.

Apply Today!

Enthusiastic about research, data management, and impact? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your resume and cover letter by July 24, 2026 for priority consideration. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed through August 7, 2026.

For more information visit www.vitalresearch.com.

Salary : $23 - $25