Research Assistant II

Overview

This position is budgeted for $18.54 per hour and is non-negotiable.

*This position is needed to cover a consistent evening schedule Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 7:30 PM*

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 Retention/AFU Coordinator, Project Director, and Clinic Operation Managers, this position conducts Annual Follow Up (AFU) interviews to record study participants’ contact information, tracking correct address, and telephone numbers of contacts, ascertaining participant’s vital status, documenting medical events/hospitalizations, conducting health questionnaires and recording life events during the annual follow up interview. Screening and scheduling the study participants for the HCHS/SOL ancillary studies. This position also performs file processing duties such as routine general office work and digitization of participant records.

Responsibilities

The Annual Follow Up Interviewer/Research Assistant II is responsible for but not limited to:

Annual Follow Up Interviews and Participant Scheduling 90%

Annual Follow Up Duties include: 1) Conduct in-depth annual follow up questionnaire and establish participant’s vital status; 2) Call and schedule annual follow up interviews; 3) Document medical events/hospitalization information and fatal events; 4) Perform data entry in the study data management system; 5) Maintain appointment logs and locate hard to reach participants; and 6) Adhere to the study research protocols. Perform other duties as assigned by direct supervisor such as: 1) Screen and schedule the study participants for ancillary study visits; 2) Assist in the preparation of retention related mailings, process incentives; 3) Prepare and schedule materials for home visits; 4) Prepare mailings for unable to locate participants; 5) Prepare call logs; 6) Maintain and update the appointment log and appointment calendars; 7) Review call logs and assign to evening and weekend calls; 8) Perform data entry in data management systems; 9) Maintain quality and confidentiality of data collected;  and 10) Follow data entry protocols and guidelines.

Administrative Support: 10%

Prepare materials and follow protocols for scanning of study materials. Participate in study meetings and annual interviewers’ trainings. Administer surveys for ancillary studies. Prepare Home Visit materials and perform data entry on the visit’s outcome. Other duties are assigned as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience

• Completion of sufficient lower division coursework
• OR - Equivalent of one year related experience in lieu of coursework

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Completion of bachelor’s degree in psychology, 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 and live within 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 equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.