Temporary Clinical Research Assistant, Nutrition for Precision Health

Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The Clinical Research Assistant role at Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago IPPH supports the Institute for Population and Precision Health's clinical studies, handling enrollment, consent, data collection, and biospecimen processing.

This on-site, 40-hour weekly position requires a high school diploma (Bachelor's preferred), 1 year of research experience, and phlebotomy/wet-lab skills; pay ranges from $19.23 to $24.04 per hour.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 1 year of relevant research experience including outreach and recruitment preferred.
• Phlebotomy and wet lab sample processing experience preferred.
• Ability to work on-campus in lab/clinic settings with safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Collect biometric data and biospecimens, including blood draws and sample processing.
• Introduce participants to the study and obtain informed consent.
• Administer tests and questionnaires per study protocols.
• Package and ship samples according to protocol and safety rules.
• Maintain records and perform data quality checks.
• Support administrative tasks and sponsor/IRB regulatory requirements.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Wet lab

Data collection

Study recruitment

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About The Department

The Institute for Population and Precision Health (IPPH), located in the Biological Sciences Division, integrates a wide spectrum of factors such as human health behaviors, environmental factors, social and economic factors, policies and genetic determinants of health, into studies focused on the treatment and prevention of disease, as well as the maintenance of wellness. Leveraging and integrating the University of Chicago’s considerable institutional strength in population science with research spanning diverse fields such as genetic medicine, cancer epidemiology, microbiome, and epigenomics, the Institute has the common goal of improving human health outcomes. Another major goal of the Institute is to develop a multidisciplinary training program to equip researchers with emerging tools and methods to conduct precision health research within a population health framework. Our faculty lead research projects in biostatistics, epidemiology, and health services research, and participate in interdisciplinary teams with faculty in other departments to address complex problems in health and healthcare, in our communities and around the globe.

Department

BSD IPP–NPH

About The Department

The Institute for Population and Precision Health (IPPH), located in the Biological Sciences Division, integrates a wide spectrum of factors such as human health behaviors, environmental factors, social and economic factors, policies and genetic determinants of health, into studies focused on the treatment and prevention of disease, as well as the maintenance of wellness. Leveraging and integrating the University of Chicago’s considerable institutional strength in population science with research spanning diverse fields such as genetic medicine, cancer epidemiology, microbiome, and epigenomics, the Institute has the common goal of improving human health outcomes. Another major goal of the Institute is to develop a multidisciplinary training program to equip researchers with emerging tools and methods to conduct precision health research within a population health framework. Our faculty lead research projects in biostatistics, epidemiology, and health services research, and participate in interdisciplinary teams with faculty in other departments to address complex problems in health and healthcare, in our communities and around the globe.

This at‑will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Job Information

Job Summary

The job provides technical research support activities related to collecting, documenting, and reporting on basic clinical studies. Supports the administrative and operational tasks for clinical research conducted across the University. This position is responsible for managing participant enrollment and consent processes, collecting and maintaining study data, and performing biospecimen collection including blood draws. As well as providing wet lab support where they will be processing biospecimens, maintaining sample integrity, and preparing specimens for shipment in compliance with study protocols and sponsor requirements. The Clinical Research Assistant works closely with the research team to ensure all study activities are conducted in accordance with sponsor expectations, regulatory requirements, and institutional guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Collects and maintains biometric data and biospecimens, including performing blood draws and processing blood and urine samples.
• Introduces patients at the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) to the research study, answers questions pertaining to participation and consent.
• Assists in administering tests and/or questionnaires following established study protocols.
• Packages and ships biological samples to outside laboratories in accordance with study protocols and safety requirements.
• Ensures all activities are conducted in strict accordance with Good Clinical Practices (GCP) & all applicable current local, state, & federal laws, regulations, guidance, policy & procedure developed by the UChicago Institutional Review Board (IRB), Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), & the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).
• Maintains detailed records of results which may include collecting, extracting & entering data; &/or preparing basic charts & graphs.
• Prepares participant visit charts, sets up and cleans exam rooms before and after visits, and performs data and equipment quality control checks.
• Performs all tasks in basic clinical studies.
• Assists with and performs various administrative and operational tasks as assigned under direct supervision.
• Supports quality assurance reviews conducted by study sponsors, federal agencies, or specially designated review groups.
• Acquires and applies knowledge of clinical studies to collect analyzable clinical research data and/or samples.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Competencies

• Knowledge of research techniques and methods within a relevant scientific field.
• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Organizational skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Education, Experience, or Certifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED from an accredited institution required.
• Bachelor's degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Nursing, Biology or closely related field preferred.

Experience

• 1-yearrelevant research experience including experience with outreach efforts, study recruitment, and collecting biometric data preferred.
• Phlebotomy experience preferred.
• Wet lab sample processing experience preferred.

Working Conditions And Physical Requirements

• Ability to work on‑campus, at community partner locations, in an office and in a clinic setting
• Requires use of appropriate personal protective equipment and adherence to laboratory safety protocols.
• Requires periods of standing, sitting, and repetitive laboratory tasks.
• Ability to lift and carry laboratory materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

Job Family

Temporary Staff

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

Yes

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Frequency

Hourly

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Pay Range

$19.23 - $24.04

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

This position is not eligible for benefits.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal 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.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.