Research Assistant II - San Diego State University Research Foundation

The salary range for this position is $17.00 - $17.50 per hour depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. 

The South Bay Latino Research Center (SBLRC) seeks to promote and expedite research that improves cardiovascular disease outcomes in low-income Hispanic/Latinos living in the border region of San Diego. The SBLRC is considered the community-based clinical research field site within San Diego State University (SDSU) where research activities are conducted.   The SBLRC primarily focuses on epidemiologic, behavioral, and genetic research in an effort to improve health, well-being, and the care delivered to Hispanic/Latinos who are at risk for, or have, cardiometabolic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  

Housed within the SBLRC, the Hispanic Community Health Study/ Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) is a multi-center, interdisciplinary epidemiological study of Hispanic/Latino populations in the United States sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and other institutions, centers, and offices of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The goals of the HCHS/SOL study include further study of the prevalence and development of chronic disease in Hispanics/Latinos, the role of acculturation in health conditions, and to identify factors that play protective or harmful roles in health among Hispanics/Latinos. This longitudinal cohort study is intended to address a wide variety of health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, and diabetes, among others. The target population recruited from the South Bay area of San Diego County includes over 4,000 persons of Hispanic origin between the ages of 18-74.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinators, Clinic Operations Managers and Project Director, the Research Assistant II (RAII) is primary responsible for recruitment over the phone for the HCHS/SOL its ancillary studies, as well as routine general office work and digitization of participant records. Typical duties may include but not limited to conducting eligibility screening, assist with recruiting study participants, assessing contraindications and scheduling/confirmation of study visits. Makes transportation arrangements and provides detailed instructions for every step of the visit, as needed. The RAII assist in preparing, scanning, reviewing and removing participant’s identifiers from electronic records, and cataloging participant electronic study records. Conducting data verification, data entry and data quality checks. Identifying participant record forms and assigning their correct location in the medical record adhering to proscribed protocols. This position also assists with front desk reception, receiving visitors, distributing mail, filing, answering and routing phone calls, checking voice mail messages.

The Research Assistant II: Recruitment-Front Desk-Electronic Record Keeping is responsible for but not limited to:

Participant Recruitment/Scheduling: 50%

Call study participants to be invited for additional studies. Screen and schedule the study participants for ancillary study visits. Prepare call logs. Maintain and update the appointment log and appointment calendars and review call logs. Perform data entry in data management systems and local database. Maintain quality and confidentiality of data collected and follow data entry protocols and guidelines.

Front Desk Reception Duties 25%

Assist with day-to day duties such as front desk coverage and greet participants and visitors. Answer, screen and route incoming calls, review voice mail messages, and participant correspondence. Receive study materials from participants, update logs, seek assistance as needed and disburse incentives to participants accordingly. Prepare materials for participant assessments to include research records, completion of study visit’s materials, and process mail. Conduct inventory of office supplies and participants snacks.  Ensure study materials and supplies are available in work areas for proper flow of daily study activities. Print, photocopy, fax, scan, and keep printers well stocked as needed. Prepare materials and forms for study visits. Maintain front desk and participant’s breakroom clean, well-stocked, and organized.   Provide excellent customer service to study participants and visitors. Maintain confidentiality of research records.

Digitization and Cataloging 20%

Assists with digitizing of paper study-related documents and merging records into e-filing systems. Performs and upkeeps the digitized study related records produced daily into files following the study proscribed protocols and guidelines to maintain and protect privacy and confidentiality. Digitization of study records involves: 1) Preparing study paper forms and the necessary materials for digitization; 2) Scanning; 3) De-identifying electronic documents using computerized software and tools; 4) Conducting detailed quality control for data verification; 5) Filing paper and electronic records; 6) Keeping a progress documentation.

Other Administrative Duties 5%

Perform other duties as assigned by direct supervisor such as assist in the preparation of study materials, including mailings. Conduct confirmation calls and send reminder messages. Maintain quality and confidentiality of data and follow data entry protocols and guidelines. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge in adherence to study protocols and collection of clinical measurements (e.g., blood pressure, anthropometry, and other measures).
• Knowledge of clinical measures (e.g., blood pressure and anthropometry). Successful completion of training and certification (e.g., questionnaires, blood pressure, anthropometry) before being able to interact with study participants.
• Knowledge in informed consent process and questionnaires administration with good interviewing techniques and research methods.
• Knowledge of general administrative support duties such as reception duties, filing, and clerical tasks.
• Knowledge of basic phone etiquette and use of multi-line phone.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills and effective use Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Google Suite, etc., to create reports, and documents; attend and participate in meetings; communicate and share documents.
• Knowledge of field data collection, entry and organization.
• Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential documents and information.
• Ability to provide exemplary customer service and work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to complete the Human Subjects Training and Certification upon hired.
• Ability to complete Entire National Institute of Health Data Security Training upon hired.
• Ability to complete training and certification required by study protocol and assigned functions, as needed.
• Ability to adhere to the SBLRC Mandatory Cleaning, Sanitation and Decontamination Protocol.
• Ability to work with a flexible work schedule and adapt to working variable hours as needed to include mornings, evening and weekends.
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision, and demonstrate leadership skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of participant records.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with individuals and groups in English and in Spanish.
• Ability to relate well to others (coworkers, management/administrative team and participants) within the project environment.
• Ability to arrive to work on time, understand and follow posted work rules and procedures.
• Ability to be organized, meet deadlines, display detail orientation; possess good judgment and common sense.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of cross-culture sensitivity when interacting with participants from a variety of socioeconomic and culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to meet deadlines and to demonstrate efficient time management skills.
• Ability to provide reliable transportation to and from various research sites.
• Highly motivated and self-starter.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills both oral and written.
• Great attention to details; possess good judgment and common sense.

Experience/Education:

• Completion of sufficient lower division coursework to successfully perform the required duties of the position, or equivalent of one year of full time progressively responsible related experience.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Completion of bachelor’s degree in public health or related field.
• Previous experience working in a similar research setting.
• Previous work in the field of community based research studies.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (reading, writing and speaking).

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California or live in a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets, IV Employer.