Research Support

uchicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago's CARL Lab is seeking a Research Assistant to lead recruitment, conduct screening interviews, and support data collection across alcohol and other substances studies. The role supports regulatory documentation, data management, and coordination of study visits, with emphasis on digital literacy, documentation, and clear communication.

Ideal candidates have experience in behavioral research, MS Excel, REDCap, and familiarity with R, Python, SPSS, or STATA; strong written

Qualifications

• Vocational training or equivalent experience in related field.
• Experience with data collection and participant screening.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and REDCap.
• Experience with R, Python, SPSS or STATA; coding skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead recruitment and screening interviews and study orientation sessions.
• Manage data entry, database management, and study communications.
• Assist with data analysis and development of tables and figures.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with IRB, FDA CFR, and ICH guidelines.
• Coordinate lab logistics, scheduling, and record keeping.

Skills

Interviewing

Data collection

Experimental sessions

Communication

Tools

MS Excel

RedCap

R

Python

Java

SPSS

STATA

Job description

Department

BSD PSY - King Lab

About the Department

To honor our promise to always put our patients first and to be ever mindful of each patients dignity and individuality, we must also be at the forefront of transformative discovery and innovation in psychiatric care.

Job Summary

The Clinical Addictions Research Laboratory (CARL) was incepted in 1997 under the direction of Andrea King, PhD., Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago. The overarching mission of CARL is two-folded: 1) To determine factors that lead to excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances, 2) To develop more effective interventions in the treatment of substance use disorders. The research assistant will be directly involved in a variety of studies, including but not limited to, a new project enrolling 18-19 year olds who will complete smartphone assessments during alcohol and non-alcohol drinking episodes and engage in two or more years of follow-up. The assistant may also support ongoing research in smoking cessation. The research assistant will lead recruitment efforts, conduct screening interviews and study orientation sessions, and collect data during study visits and follow-up interviews. Other important duties include assisting with database management, providing administrative and infrastructure support in literature reviews, conducting equipment calibration and maintenance, and organizing and filing records and study materials. Highly preferred skills for this position include digital literacy, social media management and marketing, database organization, and oral and written communication skills. Prior experience in human subjects testing, database and graphical packages, and statistics are desired. Past research assistants have been accepted to strong PhD programs in clinical and experimental psychology, epidemiology, and medical school.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all aspects of research projects, including study recruitment and retention, participant screening and enrollment, data entry and database management, and study-related communications among key personnel and participants.
• Facilitate and monitor data collection - including obtaining subjective, objective (e.g. vital sign readings, etc.), biological (e.g. urine, blood, saliva, etc.), and performance (e.g. fine motor tasks, neurocognitive tasks, eye movement tasks, etc.) measures.
• Provide administrative support (i.e. petty cash distribution, equipment inventory and maintenance, scientific literature reviews, etc.) and maintain detailed records of study and lab standard operating procedures.
• Assist in data analysis and development of tables, graphs, and charts in preparation for reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Follow all relevant current local, state, & federal laws, regulations, guidance, policy & procedure developed by the University of Chicago Institutional Review Board (IRB), Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), & the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).
• Conducts screenings and participant interviews as needed; ensures database management, entry and verification of measures not obtained by computer; and supervises and schedules sessions. Performs clinical interviews as needed, and assists the lab manager on regulatory paperwork, as well as scheduling and management of all disbursements and receipts.
• Manages study supply inventory and ordering.
• Creates subject mailings for materials related to their participation in the trial, including study medications and saliva drug screens.
• Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision.
• Collects and enters data. Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Working in a complex academic medical center.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency in MS Excel and electronic data capture (Redcap).
• Experience in coding and statistical programs (R, Python, Java, SPSS, STATA, etc.).
• Interviewing and conducting experimental sessions in behavioral research.

Preferred Competencies:

• Excellent professional and written communication skills.
• Familiar with research studies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Working Conditions

• Work independently.

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

Pay Range

$19.23 - $26.44

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

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.