Epi Research Assistant-29741

Rush University Medical Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago seeks an Epidemiology Research Assistant to support data collection, participant assessment, and study logistics across epidemiological and behavioral research projects.

The role focuses on participant support, data entry, scheduling, and coordination under supervision, with weekend outreach and travel as needed to support study activities in Lake or Cook counties.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Regulatory knowledge includes IRB, HIPAA, and basic GCP principles.
• Follows established research procedures and protects participant confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Engage participants and assist with recruitment, screening, and scheduling.
• Assist informed consent and HIPAA documentation per study materials.

Skills

Regulatory Knowledge

Regulatory Compliance

Project & Time Management

Problem-Solving & Judgment

Detail & Organization

Communication Skills

Computer Skills

Teamwork

Flexibility

Travel Readiness

Other Duties as Assigned

Education

Associate degree

50+ college credits

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: Rush NeurobehavioralCtr-ResAdm

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:30:00 AM - 4:30:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $17.63 - $24.91 per hour

Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush's anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have The Following

• availability to accommodate research participants' schedules to test on weekends (8:30 am-5:00 pm on Saturdays or Sundays - on average 3 weekends/month) and possibly once a month on Saturday late afternoon/evenings for DLMO sleep assessment work at our downtown Chicago office.
• access to transportation and willingness to attend outreach and recruitment events either during the weekdays, early evenings, or weekends across Lake or Cook counties; and the ability to work out of both our Northbrook or downtown Chicago locations.

Summary

The Epidemiology Research Assistant supports data collection, participant assessment, and research operations across epidemiological, behavioral, or population health research studies. This entry-level role focuses on participant support, data collection, study implementation, and logistical coordination guided by senior research staff and the principal investigator. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Required Job Qualifications

• Education
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
• Regulatory Knowledge – Understands the purpose of Institutional Review Boards (IRB), HIPAA, and basic Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles.
• Regulatory Compliance – Follows established research procedures and maintains participant confidentiality under supervision.
• Project & Time Management – Supports timely completion of assigned tasks and study visits.
• Problem-Solving & Judgment – Recognizes field-related concerns and alerts appropriate team members.Detail & Organization – Assists with organizing materials and maintaining accurate records.
• Communication Skills – Communicates clearly and respectfully with participants and team members.
• Computer Skills – Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and/or Google Suite.
• Teamwork – Cooperates with others and accepts direction from more experienced staff.
• Flexibility – Willingness to shift tasks or adjust schedule based on study needs.
• Travel Readiness – Ability to travel to off-site data collection sites using personal transportation, if required.
• Other Duties as Assigned – Supports additional research-related activities as directed.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Education:
• Associate degree OR 50+ college credit hours, OR equivalent gained through work or training
• Experience:
• Experience supporting clinical, behavioral, community-based research studies or a customer service setting

Responsibilities

• Participant Engagement:
• Assist with recruitment, screening, and scheduling of participants based on eligibility guidelines under supervision.
• Support the informed consent and HIPAA documentation process using approved study materials and instructions.
• Data Collection & Entry
• Enter participant data accurately into study systems and assist with data checks or corrections as directed.
• Administer basic questionnaires and structured assessments following scripted instructions.
• Study Operations & Logistics:
• Prepare and organize study materials (e.g., forms, kits, equipment) for participant visits.
• Monitor supply levels and notify senior staff when restocking is needed.
• Operate basic study equipment (e.g., tablets, sensors, blood pressure cuffs) after training.
• Documentation & Recordkeeping:
• Maintain visit logs and review study forms for accuracy and completeness.
• Flag missing or inconsistent documentation and notify assigned team members for follow-up.
• Team Collaboration:
• Attend team meetings and provide updates on assigned tasks or field activities.
• Complete required institutional and study-specific trainings before supporting independent duties.
• Other Duties as Assigned:
• Support additional study-related or administrative responsibilities as requested by study leadership.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.