Research Assistant

at  Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine Science

POSITION SUMMARY

The Department of Psychology at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) invites applications for a full-time research assistant (RA) in Dr. Nancy Jao’s research lab starting in July or August 2024.
Dr. Jao’s research lab (The Health, Behaviors, and Tobacco Use (HaBiT) Research Lab) focuses on examining underlying biobehavioral and psychological relationships to understand the impact of smoking on biological processes influencing nicotine dependence and health disparities. Dr. Jao’s current research focuses on understanding the health effects of tobacco products to help regulatory agencies identify and quantify the potential impact of public policies. The RA will primarily contribute to a clinical trial research study funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) examining the effect of menthol cigarette use on cardiovascular disease risk. The RA will also assist on other research projects and collaborations in the HaBiT Research Lab including: 1) utilizing artificial intelligence to develop a new wrist-worn device to measure smoking behavior; 2) developing collaborations with community organizations to examine the role of stigma and smoking among LGBTQ+ individuals and rural populations; and 3) investigating the impact of flavored tobacco product use on clinical biomarkers in longitudinal, nationally-representative studies.
For more information about Dr. Jao and the HaBiT Research Lab, please visit: https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/faculty/nancy-c-jao/
The RA will have the opportunity to gain experience in human-subject clinical research, experimental design, recruitment, data collection and analysis. The primary responsibilities of the RA will focus on conducting study-related activities, including managing participant recruitment and retention, obtaining informed consent, administering study interviews and assessments, processing study biospecimens, and maintaining study databases. The RA will obtain experiences in clinical trial methodology, human subject research, biomarker measurements, ecological momentary assessment, and in-person interview assessments. The position will also provide the opportunity to learn about tobacco research and clinical psychology more broadly. Based on the RA’s interests and goals, the RA may also have opportunities to be involved in data analyses, contribute to conference presentations or manuscripts, and obtain mentorship on applying for graduate or medical school programs. The RA position requires the ability to be in-person at RFUMS (North Chicago, IL), although the RA will have the option to work remotely on days without in-person lab responsibilities.

WHO WE ARE

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. RFU is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance.
As part of our efforts to enhance the depth and breadth of research at RFU and to facilitate the translation of our basic science research to the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and identification of biomarkers in order to improve human health, a new Innovation and Research Park (IRP) was constructed, opening in January 2020. The novel design of the IRP enables academic researchers to reside in state-of-the-art laboratory space that is in close proximity to industry researchers on each floor of the 100,000 sq ft building. It also houses our Helix 51 Incubator, Chicago’s newest bioscience incubator for startups. To learn more, see https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/research/innovation-and-research-park/

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Successful completion of a full 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

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Communicate effectively one-to-one and in small groups
• Ability to plan, organize, and schedule in an efficient, productive manner
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (e.g., Excel, Word, Powerpoint)
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and time management skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience in a clinical research environment
• Previous experience with human subject research
• Basic clinical interviewing or assessment experience
• Flexibility to accommodate study needs and participants’ scheduling
• Knowledge of data management or assessment software (e.g., Qualtrics)
• Knowledge of data processing and analysis software (e.g., SPSS)

Technical

• Recruits study participants, including conducting phone screens, describing and answering questions about study, and screening for eligibility
• Reviews & obtains informed consent.
• Schedules study visits with participants.
• Implements all aspects of study protocols
• Conducts study data collection, including session interviews, assessments, and surveys
• Schedules and performs necessary specimen collection and routine processing and associated clerical duties
• Completes required study administration tasks, including data entry, study tracking, preparation of study materials
• Maintains detailed records of results and study data
• Monitors and distributes petty cash or other reimbursement for expenses
• Facilitates communication with study personnel & participants to maintain project study flow.

Miscellaneous

• Participate in lab and study-related meetings
• Contributes to the development or management of research manuscripts or grants, including conducting scientific reviews, creating figures/tables, or performing data cleaning or analyses
• Assists in the training of staff, students, or interns on study protocols and procedures
• Performs other research or lab administrative duties as required