FWS Fall 2026, Internal Medicine & Divisions Undergraduate Research Assistant

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Fall 2026 Undergraduate Research Assistant in Internal Medicine and Divisions. This student position offers hands-on experience supporting exercise sessions, data collection, and participant coordination in a clinical research setting.

You will assist with exercise sessions, administer questionnaires, help with physical tests, manage data in REDCap, ensure compliance, and participate in regular PI meetings.

Responsibilities

• Exercise Session Support: Assist the PI in leading twice-weekly, ~30-minute Zoom-delivered exercise sessions following the study’s standardized three-phase protocol (warm-up/safety briefing, main circuit, cool-down/stretching). Help demonstrate and cue exercises (body-weight resistance movements, balance and core work) and offer real-time modifications (progression/regression) for participants based on tolerance and Rating of Perceived Exertion ( RPE ). Monitor participants via video for signs of intolerance and immediately alert the supervising staff member if a session needs to be paused or stopped per protocol. Track and log exercise session attendance and adherence for each participant. Conduct the post-session check-in and reinforce recovery guidance.
• Questionnaire Administration: Administer the Brief Fatigue Inventory ( BFI ) and any other patient-reported outcome ( PRO ) instruments to participants at baseline and each follow-up visit (Months 2, 4, and 6). Ensure questionnaires are completed accurately and in full, answer participant procedural questions, and elevate any concerning responses to the PI or Co-Investigator per protocol. Enter completed questionnaire data into REDCap in a timely and accurate manner.
• Physical Fitness Testing Support: Assist with administration of the standardized physical function battery at each assessment visit: the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go ( TUG ), and handgrip strength testing. Prepare testing space and equipment, time and record trial results, and ensure tests are conducted per standardized instructions for consistency across participants and timepoints. Stop testing immediately at the participant’s request or per assessor judgment, and document any adverse events or deviations the same day.
• Data Management: Enter and manage study data (questionnaire responses, functional test results, attendance/adherence logs) in REDCap, maintaining accuracy and participant confidentiality. Assist with routine data quality checks and flag discrepancies to the PI.
• Compliance and Professionalism: Complete required human subjects research ( CITI ) training and any institution-specific onboarding prior to participant contact. Maintain participant confidentiality and comply with all IRB -approved protocol procedures, HIPAA requirements, and Markey Cancer Center policies. Attend regular check-ins with the PI/Co-Investigator to report progress, raise questions, and receive protocol updates.

Job description

FWS Fall 2026, Internal Medicine & Divisions Undergraduate Research Assistant

Job Title FWS Fall 2026, Internal Medicine & Divisions Undergraduate Research Assistant

Requisition Number

Requisition Number DU15138

Department Name

Work Location

Work Location 800 Rose St Lexington, KY 40536

Salary Range

Salary Range $12.00 -$15.00

Type of Position

Type of Position Student

Position Time Status

Position Time Status Part-Time

Required Education

N/A

Required Related Experience

N/A

Required License/Registration/Certification

N/A

Physical Requirements

Able to conduct physical activity program and exercises 2x per week (60mins/week) for the duration of the study.

Shift

Weekdays between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Evenings
.

Job Summary

• Exercise Session Support: Assist the PI in leading twice-weekly, ~30-minute Zoom-delivered exercise sessions following the study’s standardized three-phase protocol (warm-up/safety briefing, main circuit, cool-down/stretching). Help demonstrate and cue exercises (body-weight resistance movements, balance and core work) and offer real-time modifications (progression/regression) for participants based on tolerance and Rating of Perceived Exertion ( RPE ). Monitor participants via video for signs of intolerance and immediately alert the supervising staff member if a session needs to be paused or stopped per protocol. Track and log exercise session attendance and adherence for each participant. Conduct the post-session check-in and reinforce recovery guidance.
• Questionnaire Administration: Administer the Brief Fatigue Inventory ( BFI ) and any other patient-reported outcome ( PRO ) instruments to participants at baseline and each follow-up visit (Months 2, 4, and 6). Ensure questionnaires are completed accurately and in full, answer participant procedural questions, and elevate any concerning responses to the PI or Co-Investigator per protocol. Enter completed questionnaire data into REDCap in a timely and accurate manner.
• Physical Fitness Testing Support: Assist with administration of the standardized physical function battery at each assessment visit: the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go ( TUG ), and handgrip strength testing. Prepare testing space and equipment, time and record trial results, and ensure tests are conducted per standardized instructions for consistency across participants and timepoints. Stop testing immediately at the participant’s request or per assessor judgment, and document any adverse events or deviations the same day.
• Data Management: Enter and manage study data (questionnaire responses, functional test results, attendance/adherence logs) in REDCap, maintaining accuracy and participant confidentiality. Assist with routine data quality checks and flag discrepancies to the PI.
• Compliance and Professionalism: Complete required human subjects research ( CITI ) training and any institution-specific onboarding prior to participant contact. Maintain participant confidentiality and comply with all IRB -approved protocol procedures, HIPAA requirements, and Markey Cancer Center policies. Attend regular check-ins with the PI/Co-Investigator to report progress, raise questions, and receive protocol updates.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

N/A

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Preferred experience in human research or hospital/patient care experience. Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, or Human Health Sciences majors preferred.
.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 10/18/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Have you been awarded Federal Work Study?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Unsure