Research Coordinator

Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 33,117 - 39,743; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Research-driven environment

Job summary

The Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago is seeking a Research Coordinator to oversee day-to-day operations of research projects related to HIV elimination and public health. This grant-funded role involves working with LGBTQ and criminal justice involved individuals while ensuring compliance with NIH and CDC regulations.

The successful candidate will assist with community recruitment, data management, and project coordination in a dynamic, research-driven environment. A Bachelor’s degree and relevant experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-5 years of work experience in a related discipline.
• Vocational training or equivalent experience is required.
• Previous research experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support recruitment and eligibility screening for community members.
• Conduct assessments, interventions, and controls.
• Manage day-to-day operations of research projects.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Flexibility

Creativity

Analytical skills

Phlebotomy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Department

BSD MED – Infectious Diseases – Chicago Center HIV Elimination – Research

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 represent the largest contiguous Black population in the United States. By using our integrated HIV transmission elimination approaches, we are beginning to make new infections in these communities less frequent.

Job Summary

The Research Coordinator will assist with day‑to‑day operations of funded projects that involve working with LGBTQ and criminal justice involved (CJI) individuals. They will oversee several research projects with oversight from the Research Manager and the Director of Research. The candidate is expected to actively pursue required knowledge and skills for professional development and stay informed about NIH and CDC regulations. This grant‑funded position reports to the Director of Research. Funded projects include COVID testing, HIV care, PrEP care, network science, and substance use.

Responsibilities

• Supporting recruitment, screening for eligibility, and consenting community members.
• Delivering assessments, interventions, and controls.
• Supporting data entry and analysis; offering referrals to service programming when appropriate.
• Conducting literature reviews and supporting manuscript and grant writing.
• May engage in data management and analysis.
• Overseeing day‑to‑day research project operations.
• Assisting with day‑to‑day operations of CDC and NIH funded projects.
• Coordinating multiple related projects to ensure optimal recruitment, enrollment, and fidelity to the complex requirements of study participation and follow‑up counseling.
• Assisting with the development of study protocols, survey instruments, and maintenance of databases.
• Supporting evening and weekend events for on‑site research requests.
• Assisting with and performing various administrative and operational tasks under direct supervision.
• Using knowledge of clinical studies to coordinate the collection of analyzable clinical research data and/or samples.
• Performing other related work as needed.

Education and Minimum Qualifications

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or equivalent experience in a related field; a four‑year degree is not required.

Work Experience

Minimum requirements include 2–5 years of work experience in a related discipline, with knowledge and skills developed through that experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Experience

• Previous research experience.
• Experience working with individuals who identify as gender or sexual minorities.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated effective leadership and teaching skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong knowledge of program subject matter.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility.
• Creativity.
• Ability to manage stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and strong analytical skills.
• Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research.
• Ability to perform phlebotomy or willingness to be trained in phlebotomy.

Working Conditions

• Direct patient or community member contact.
• Work in clinics, research spaces, and community‑based settings (e.g., CBOs or patient homes).
• Exposure to human blood, blood components, or products made from human blood.
• Exposure to infectious material.
• Evenings and weekends as needed.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the documents must be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family: Research. Role Impact: Individual Contributor. Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40. Pay Rate Type: Hourly. FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt. Pay Range: $24.04 – $28.85. Benefits Eligible: Yes. This position is grant funded.

The University of Chicago is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, or disability status. For additional information 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.

For additional information regarding safety, programs, and policies, see the University of Chicago’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report.