Data Collector, Implementation Science

Overview

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, this teammate performs duties involved in the recruitment of research participants, collection of research data, and documentation of research and information gathering activities. This individual works on a team conducting maternal-child health research within the Department of Implementation Science. This position requires some on-site work at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Innovation Quarter location, with flexibility for partial virtual/remote work. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to accommodate the needs of participants. Occasional overnight travel may be requested to facilitate research partnerships with organizations in the North Carolina region. Salary starts at $18.50/hour.

Description of Projects

This position will support research activities for two studies led by Principal Investigator Katherine Sauder, PhD, Associate Professor of Implementation Science and Pediatrics at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

The Early Intervention to Promote Cardiovascular Health of Mothers and Children (ENRICH) study is a multi-site clinical trial funded by the National Institutes of Health. ENRICH is partnering with home visiting agencies to improve cardiovascular behaviors and factors among pregnant women and their infant offspring. Researchers at Wake Forest University are implementing the study through collaborations with Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) sites in the North Carolina region. The research team is responsible for fostering respectful and productive partnerships with the NFP sites, enrolling clients referred by the NFP sites, collecting research data from participants and home visitors, and supporting research activities throughout the national consortium. The first phase of the project (May 2022-April 2024) focused on study design, material development, partnership establishment, and pilot studies. The second phase of the project (May 2024-April 2029) will focus on execution of the clinical trial among 3000+ participants nationwide, including >200 in the North Carolina region.

The NextGen study is a single-site clinical trial funded by the National Institutes of Health. NextGen is partnering with the National Diabetes Prevention Program to promote healthy eating, active living, and weight loss prior to conception among diverse women of child-bearing potential. Researchers are implementing the study through collaborations with clinicians at the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The research team is responsible for identifying potential participants from medical records, outreaching to potential participants to recruit into the study, collecting research data from participants, and delivering the intervention and control programs to participants via virtual and mailing platforms. The current phase of the study (April 2024-May 2027) will focus on execution of the clinical trial among 360 participants in the Winston-Salem region. 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Social Science, Education, or Public Health; or, an equivalent combination of experience and education including training in research methodology, computerized data processing, and/or interviewing techniques. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Collaborates with the research team, clinical partners, and community partners to maximize identification of eligible individuals for recruitment. 
2. Screens potential participants for eligibility and recruits into study.
3. Obtains informed consent from eligible individuals and reinforces the information that has been provided to individuals.
4. Performs duties involved in the collection and documentation of data in support of research and information gathering activities.
5. Assists in the design and testing of questionnaires, data input sheets, and other data collection mechanisms.
6. Assists participants in filling out research forms and questionnaires, and answers questions as required.
7. Organizes the distribution of data collection materials to research participants for virtual visits and clinical partners for in-person visits at the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Campus location.
8. Edits collected data and performs follow-up activities for all aspects of data collection.
9. Supervises and participates in the coding of data in preparation for analyses.
10. Coordinates the collection and organization of materials and data used in research reports, publications, and program descriptions.
11. Assists in data analyses and preparation of charts, graphs, and reports obtained from research data.
12. Performs fieldwork on assigned research project, including site visits to community and clinical partners in the region.
13. Participates in local, regional, and national study-related meetings to monitor progress.
14. Contributes to an effective and positive work environment for teammates. 
15. Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Research data collection, including interviews and physical measurements.
• Ability to implement and closely follow research protocols.
• Outstanding customer service skills, with the ability to establish trust and rapport with diverse participants.
• Bilingual English and Spanish speaking skills with ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in basic MS Excel skills is preferred