Department: MED-Center for Health Services Outcomes Research
Salary/Grade: NEX/9

Job Summary:

The Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research (CHSOR), housed in the Institute for Public Health and Medicine (IPHAM), seeks an experienced Research Assistant to join an NIH (NHLBI)-funded research study already in progress. The study uses mixed methods (analysis of Medicare data, qualitative interviews, and a national survey) to better understand the clinical strategies and contextual factors that lead some Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (MSSP ACOs) to improve outcomes for patients with heart failure. The research assistant will assist the team in execution of the study, including IRB applications and modifications, data entry, scheduling, meeting support, and preparation of reports and manuscripts. They will participate in coding of all interview transcript data. They will assist the Research Project Manager and the Clinical Research Coordinator in carrying out qualitative data analysis and a national survey of hospitals. Under supervision from study investigators, the research assistant will participate in coding interview transcript data using qualitative research methods, and then developing, piloting, and carrying out a national hospital survey.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to join a health services research team and gain experience with mixed-methods research, including qualitative and survey methods; manuscript, preparation, submission, and revision; and use of administrative data to answer clinical questions. The applicant should be highly organized and able to communicate professionally and effectively both in person and in writing. This is a multi-year study, so we are ideally looking for someone who would be interested in working on this project for a minimum of two years.

Performs biomedical &/or social-behavioral research by administering tests &/or questionnaires following protocols; collecting, compiling, tabulating &/or processing responses; gathering information; &/or assisting in the preparation of material for inclusion in reports.  Completes all activities by strictly following Good Clinical Practices (GCP) & all relevant current local, state, & federal laws, regulations, guidance, policy & procedure developed by the NU Institutional Review Board (IRB), Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), & the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical

• Recruits study participants.
• Reviews & obtains informed consent.
• Schedules study visits with participants.
• Compiles test results.
• Collects survey data.
• Facilitates communication with key personnel & participants to maintain project study flow. 

Administration

• Maintains detailed records of results which may include collecting, extracting & entering data; &/or preparing basic charts & graphs. 
• Performs scientific literature searches in support of research.
• Completes portions of grant applications &/or documents associated with current local, state, & federal regulatory guidelines, requirements, laws & research protocols.

Finance

• May process reimbursements for travel expenses.
• Processes invoices &/or purchase requisitions.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.  
• Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Able to communicate clearly via written and oral communication. Facility with Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Understanding of research process.  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Facility with NVivo or other qualitative data analysis software.  Knowledge of mixed methods and experience conducting research.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Excellent writing skills. 
• Ability to work well in a team and independently. 
• Takes initiative to solve problems while maintaining clear communication with team.
• Highly organized. 
• Able to complete tasks efficiently, accurately, and thoroughly.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.