Research Assistant for Health Study
Job description
The Research Assistant (RA) will work on a National Institute of Health (NIH) funded research study examining the connection between college students’experiences of nutrition access and Life’s Essential 8, which are key factors for cardiovascular and metabolic health. Findings from this study will document hownutrition impacts Life’s Essential 8 among college students.
The Research Assistant (RA) will be part of the core study team and will work closely with the Principal Investigators. The RA will assist with data collection and will need to strictly follow study protocols to collect data. The RA will need to complete training related to Life’s Essential 8 before beginning to assist with data collection. Major responsibilities include data collection related to the following: 24-hour dietary intake; 24-hour circadian-related behaviors (e.g., sleep, physical activity); blood pressure; blood sugar; anthropometrics; and cholesterol levels. This involves use of accelerometry, 24-hour dietary recalls, and biometric methods for the collection of biomarkers.
Additional responsibilities will include data entry, data cleaning, documenting procedures, and study outreach and recruitment. The RA will also participate in weekly meetings with the study team to provide updates and discuss data collection, including potential challenges. The ideal candidate for this position should be able to work effectively, independently and collaboratively with the study team. Ability to manage competing demands is also important. The candidate will also be available to work 10-15 hours per week (with 2-3 hour windows of availability strongly preferred) throughout the academic year.
Summary of Duties (by % time):
5% Training and meetings
80% Data Collection (including preparation time)
15%; Data Entry and Cleaning
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Interest in biobehavioral health research; Food insecurity; Working as a member of a team
Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Task management; Time management; Variable schedule, may include weekends and nights
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct: