This position sits within the Center for Community Health (CCH), a center within the Institute for Public Health and Medicine (IPHAM). This is a part-time position (10-15 hours/week) for a research assistant with experience with literature reviews and an interest in training and using eye-tracking technology. A fully remote position can be considered pending some transportation challenges, namely, for those who must commute long distances from rural areas. The position will require some travel to rural areas for in-home research visits.
The COMMUNICATE Study in the Center for Community Health (CCH) assesses how rural older adults use patient portals and MyChart messages. The Research Assistant will be trained to conduct in-person usability testing of patient portals with rural older adults using eye-tracking equipment and short interviews. In-person visits will require travel to rural communities. Although a vehicle is not required, a valid driver's license is mandatory. Research Assistants will be trained to operate the equipment and conduct interviews. Information from this activity will help us learn how rural older adults use patient portals. Additionally, the Research Assistant will follow a literature review protocol to assess common MyChart message themes of rural older adults. Essentially, a team of Research Assistants will sort through existing MyChart messages and assign potential categories of themes to identify common reasons rural older adults use MyChart.
Primary duties include conducting a literature review and in-person site visits for patient portal usability testing using eye-tracking equipment. Duties also involve distributing recruitment materials, following protocols, managing standard operations of procedures, and drafting emails on behalf of the PI. Completes all activities by strictly following Good Clinical Practices (GCP) & all relevant current local, state, & federal laws, regulations, guidance, policy & procedures developed by the NU Institutional Review Board (IRB), Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Scientific Review Committee.
Specific Responsibilities:
Technical
- Recruit study participants.
- Reviews & obtains informed consent.
- Schedules study visits with participants.
- Conducts interviews.
- Scores test results.
- Collects survey data.
- Review medical records.
- Facilitates communication with key personnel & participants to maintain project study flow.
Administration
- Maintains detailed records of results, including collecting, extracting & entering data; &/or preparing basic charts & graphs.
- Performs scientific literature searches in support of research.
Miscellaneous
· Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Successful completion of an entire 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
- Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years.
- Conducting and analyzing qualitative data analysis
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
- Excellent organizational, analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills
- Strong interpersonal communication skills (oral and written)
- Able to coordinate research studies, executing day-to-day tasks and intermittent regulatory tasks (e.g., IRB approvals)
Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)
- Qualitative collection and analysis experience
- Program coordination experience
- Experience with Tobii eye-tracking software
- Strong community engaging or organizing skills
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
- Experience moderating focus groups and interviews
- Familiar with Nvivo or other types of qualitative analysis software
- Interest in rural health
- Preferred experience in community-engaged research or community advocacy and health
Work-Life and Wellness: Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare, and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development: Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances, whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.
Application Instructions: Please email your CV/resume and cover letter highlighting your relevant qualifications to marquita.lewis-thames@northwestern.edu
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $18.25 - $18.60 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee assistance program
- Professional development assistance
Schedule:
- Choose your own hours
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Education:
Experience:
- Research: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60611