Research Assistant

Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 26,491 - 33,117; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Wide range of resources for eligible employees

Job summary

The Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago is seeking a Research Assistant to support various research projects at the Chicago Center for HIV Elimination. This role involves recruitment, data management, and assisting with HIV testing and interventions.

Applicants should have vocational training or equivalent experience, with strong organizational and interpersonal skills. The position offers an opportunity to work in a meaningful project aimed at eliminating HIV transmissions by 2041.

Qualifications

• No four‑year degree typically required, but vocational training or equivalent experience needed.
• Knowledge and skills from under two years of relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

• Support recruitment efforts and screen community members for research participation.
• Conduct HIV testing and assist with data entry for research teams.
• Compile reports and assist with literature reviews.

Skills

Organizational skills

Qualitative and quantitative research skills

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Applications proficiency

Analytical skills

Education

Vocational training or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Word

Job description

Department

BSD MED - Infectious Diseases - Chicago Center HIV Elimination - Health Care

About The Department

The Chicago Center for HIV Elimination (CCHE) is situated within the Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago Medicine. CCHE aims to eliminate all new HIV transmission events by 2041. The University of Chicago’s position on the South Side makes it uniquely situated to test, treat, and prevent new HIV infections in a highly affected population. The South Side communities and majority Black suburbs connected to them to the South represent the largest contiguous Black population in the United States. By using our integrated HIV transmission elimination approaches, we are beginning to reduce new infections in these communities.

Job Summary

The Research Assistant will assist the PI, Director of ED HIV and STI Screening, and Assistant Manager of Implementation Research to oversee implementation of several research projects at the Chicago Center for HIV Elimination (CCHE). The candidate will report to the Assistant Manager of Implementation Research. Funded projects include STI and HIV testing, care and treatment, and diabetes screening in the University of Chicago Medicine – Emergency Department and Infectious Diseases. This position is grant funded.

Responsibilities

• Support recruitment efforts by screening for eligibility and consenting community members for research participation.
• Deliver assessments, interventions, and control activities according to study protocols.
• Provide referrals to service programs when appropriate.
• Conduct chart reviews for Implementation Science projects.
• Perform HIV testing, phlebotomy, and notification duties as assigned.
• Assist with data entry and management for clinical, social medicine, and research teams.
• Compile progress reports and document study procedures and methods.
• Assist with literature reviews, manuscript and grant writing.
• Provide support for administrative and research activities as needed.
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Conduct research activities in community venues and other non‑traditional settings.
• Support quality assurance reviews conducted by study sponsors, federal agencies, or specially designated review groups.
• Assist with and perform various administrative and operational tasks as assigned under direct supervision.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Vocational training, apprenticeships, or equivalent experience in a related field (not typically required to have a four‑year degree). Knowledge and skills developed through less than two years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in research field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Applications, including Outlook, Excel, Access, and Word.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong organizational skills.
• Qualitative and quantitative research skills: study recruitment and enrollment, interviewing, focus group facilitation, survey administration, etc.
• Strong knowledge of human subjects’ research and Good Clinical Practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible and creative problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain community member confidentiality.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability and/or willingness to conduct research activities in non‑traditional settings.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and strong analytical skills.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work evening and weekend research events conducted on site as needed.

Job Details

• Job Family: Research
• Role Impact: Individual Contributor
• Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
• Drug Test Required: No
• Health Screen Required: No
• Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required: No
• Pay Rate Type: Hourly
• FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt
• Pay Range: $19.23 – $24.04
• Benefits Eligible: Yes

Benefits

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment; rather, the University considers conviction information on a case‑by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.