Entry Level Health Disparities Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department

BSD DFI - Clinical Studies

About the Department

The Duchossois Family Institute (DFI) at the University of Chicago Medicine promotes wellness through groundbreaking science on the immune system, genetics, the microbiome, and their shared environments. Introducing a new science of wellness, the DFI aims to maximize good health and the economic, social, and personal benefits it delivers. The DFI comprises a multidisciplinary team of scientists, physicians, data analysts, and entrepreneurship specialists who work together to accelerate development of this innovative, paradigm-shifting approach to health.

Job Summary

The job performs routine assignments related to the documentation and reporting of basic clinical studies. Supports decisions that impact clinical research conducted across the University.
The DFI performs microbiome analyses on patients undergoing heart and/or liver transplantation, cancer treatment and intensive care hospitalization under protocols that have been approved the University of Chicago IRB. The clinical research coordinator will assist in all aspects of the clinical research studies to ensure compliance with protocol and applicable institutional and regulatory guidelines. It is anticipated that the findings of these studies will lead to the optimization of patient recovery from complex medical therapies, with reduced complication rates, including antibiotic-resistant infections, and shortened hospital stays.

Responsibilities

• Support all aspects of clinical trial operations, including participant screening, enrollment, follow-up, completion of case report forms, adverse event reporting, and protocol compliance.

• Obtain in-person patient consent.

• Transport patient specimens from the clinics or hospital units to the research laboratory.

• Coordinate with couriers for sample collection from home to hospital.

• Perform data entry and statistical analyses, including data collection, summary statistics, and sample collection metrics.

• Assist in developing source documentation, subject and specimen tracking systems, and REDCap forms.

• Call patients for survey completion and appointment reminders.

• Support enrollment, data collection, specimen tracking, adverse event monitoring, and other assigned tasks in Phase 1 clinical trial.

• Serve as a liaison between medical staff, university departments, and ancillary teams.

• Maintain accurate, complete records, including signed consent forms, relevant IRB approvals, source documentation, case report forma, drug dispensing logs, and study communications.

• Remain current with study protocols and internal SOPs.

• Uphold high standards in clinical research practice and help foster accountability in the team.

• Ensure compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies.

• Accountable for all tasks in basic clinical studies.

• Assists with various professional, organizational, and operational tasks under direct supervision.

• Supports quality assurance reviews conducted by study sponsors, federal agencies, or specially designated review groups.

• Uses knowledge of clinical studies to coordinate the collection of analyzable clinical research data and/or samples.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.

Experience:

• Prior experience coordinating multiple studies is strongly preferred.

• Proficient in using computers, databases and Excel; familiarity with REDCap and EPIC is a plus.

• Bilingual Spanish-speaking skills are advantageous.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to communicate clearly, tactfully, and courteously with patrons, patients, staff, faculty, students, and others.

• Genuine interest in health disparities research.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills.

• Strong data management skills and meticulous attention to detail.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat.

• Ability to perform basic statistical analyses.

• Capable of reading and understanding complex documents, such as clinical trial protocols.

• Skilled in managing competing demands with diplomacy and enthusiasm.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

• Adaptable to changing working situations and assignments.

• Exceptional time management skills.

• Familiarity with IRB processes, study participant recruitment, and patient consent procedures.

Working Conditions

• Physically capable of moderate physical activity to enroll subjects located in different buildings and to retrieve clinical specimens from various buildings on the university campus.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

Yes

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$50,000.00 - $65,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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