Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $46,035 and $58,234, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.
Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.
Job Description POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will conduct multiple key responsibilities for two large research intervention trials aimed to improve food security, pregnancy, and mom/baby health outcomes of low-income pregnant individuals, conducted in collaboration with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and local hospital systems and agencies: Nourishing Beginning and Nourishing Tomorrow. These include regular, direct contact with study participants, maintaining participant study tracking records, coordinating data entry and data integration, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Coordinate research activities: responsible for conducting several research study participant interactions including (1) structured phone interviews to collect personal and sensitive information, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with IRB and patient safety protocols; (2) onboarding all newly randomized participants; (3) conduct touchpoint phone calls with participants between primary data collection times. Document interviews and other interactions directly in REDCap and appropriately record and report adverse events as required. (25%)
- Work closely with the principal investigator: working directly with project manager and principal investigator, assist with study wide data quality assurance processes across quantitative and qualitative components, including oversight of REDCap data entry, routine data audits. (20%)
- Devise new protocols and techniques: develop and refine data quality procedures and train new staff to ensure data integrity. Identify internal inconsistencies and coordinate with research staff and investigators (including partner institutions) to reconcile discrepancies. (15%)
- Evaluate adequacy of techniques/processes: assist with all levels of participant recruitment, screening, enrollment, retention, milestone tracking, and data collection activities while ensuring strict adherence to approved protocols, study timelines, and regulatory requirements. Coordinate with the research team to support implementation of improvements for data collection and documentation. (10%)
- Carry out complex research assignments: responsible for managing the food box nutritional compliance process. Includes regular pick-up of implementation forms from the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Support study administration and regulatory compliance, including preparation of study materials, maintenance of regulatory binders, assistance with IRB submissions and continuing reviews, and processing participant compensation (e.g., CashApp or other electronic payment platforms) with accurate financial recordkeeping. May monitor the budget. (10%)
- Supervise students responsible for completing the data quality checks and entering results into REDCap. Provide such student training on study protocols and data procedures, monitor QI progress, review work for accuracy and completeness, and provide feedback to ensure timely and high-quality data review. (8%)
- Contribute substantively to study end and dissemination efforts for the Nourishing Beginnings project; draft and revise manuscript sections, prepare tables and figures, organize references, support journal submissions, and assist with abstract and conference presentation development in collaboration with investigators. (7%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Support additional administrative tasks as needed to facilitate the study. May co-author research projects. Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)
CONTACTS
Department: Frequent contact with the project manager and study team to discuss research progress, participant status, and maintain workflow.
University: Occasional contact with the Bionutrition Core and other departments to coordinate participant schedules.
External: Frequent contact with study participants to conduct interviews, schedule recalls, and manage compensation. Frequent contact with investigators and study staff at other study sites. Occasional contact with study sponsors (i.e., RWJ, Vitamix, etc.)
Students: Frequent contact with students to exchange information.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
May supervise students and technicians.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.
Education: Bachelor of Science degree required. Master's degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field preferred.
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Knowledge and understanding of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in public health research, including familiarity with complex research protocols and multi-phase study implementation.
- Demonstrated experience in quantitative and qualitative data management, including creation and maintenance of complex databases, oversight of data entry processes, and implementation of independent data quality assurance and audit procedures.
- Training and education in statistical analysis, with the ability to independently perform descriptive and analytic statistical procedures using SPSS or similar statistical software.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify data discrepancies, determine appropriate corrective actions, and implement necessary quality control and data management procedures.
- Experience with regulatory and compliance requirements, including IRB submissions, continuing reviews, and maintenance of regulatory documentation.
- Proficiency in REDCap (required), along with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft and revise professional documents such as manuscripts, abstracts, regulatory materials, and reports.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple complex tasks across concurrent research projects.
- Professional interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively and respectfully with study participants, investigators, community partners, supervisors, and colleagues both within and external to the university.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism, particularly when collecting personal data or conducting participant interviews.
- Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, systems, and software as needed.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a motivated, dependable, and self-directed team member and leader.
- Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy aligned with the values and mission of the university, while adhering to institutional policies regarding conflict of commitment and interest.
- Willingness to learn and work with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
- Ability to meet consistent attendance requirements and perform position responsibilities reliably.
- Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
- Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Typical office environment. The employee will perform repetitive motion using a computer mouse and keyboard to type.
Hybrid Eligibility This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.
EEO Statement Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.
Reasonable Accommodations Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.
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