Research Specialist I - #254716

Overview

The pay rate for this position is $31.00 per hour and is non-negotiable.

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 exploration of the prevalence and development of chronic diseases in Hispanics/Latinos, the role of acculturation in health conditions, and identifying 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/Latino origin between the ages of 18-74.

Under the direct and general supervision of the Project Director and Principal Investigators, this position will contribute to the design, development, and implementation of the Mongo database utilized by the HCHS/SOL and its ancillary studies. The Research Specialist I will contribute to the compilation of both qualitative information and quantitative data in the investigation of problems in specific subject matter fields. This position works collaboratively with the management team to develop, implement, and data entry protocols and procedures for proper management of participant information and electronic health record data to ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies and procedures on personal identifiable information (PII).

Responsibilities

The position is responsible for but not limited to:

Data Management 75%.

Create queries, schemas and tables, and conduct verification of data migration from existing Access DB to Mongo DB.

Coordinate and monitor progress of tasks related to completing data transition to the Mongo tracking database.

Conduct data entry, cleaning, and verification; ensure proper and consistent use of data management systems.

Prepare, create, and merge multiple research multiple data sources to track recruitment and create progress reports.

W ork closely with project managers to monitor participant enrollment progress.

Develop user - training materials; provide training on policies and protocols for data entry on study database; C reate user help files.

Create, manage, trouble-shoot, and resolve issues with study databases; provide technical and administrative support to staff and project managers.

May contribute to basic statistical analyses such as descriptive statistics and regression models.

Work collaboratively with the management team in data migration activities to valuate data for completeness, and accuracy.

Contribute to the electronic records management and protocol preparation.

May assist with health information management processes to maintain data and participants’ private information in databases; ensure the protection of electronic records, their completeness, and accuracy.

Other Duties 25%. Assist with preparation of project related presentations and graphics. With guidance from the study investigative team, create and merge datasets for use by investigators, interns/students, using HCHS/SOL data variables. Prepare and manage Data User Agreements. Facilitate communication and attend meetings related to data sets. Address data management problems as they arise. Communicate information about database design. Ensure continuity of electronic communication between collaborating research organizations. Other duties are assigned as needed.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university
• One-year of experience in technical research or statistical work
  
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS

• Master’s degree in epidemiology, psychology, behavioral sciences, biostatistics, or related field.
• Experience working with Mongo DB, ACCESS or relational database
• Data management and statistical work experience
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Access/SQL and Excel, e-mail, data structures and algorithms
• Knowledge of statistical programs (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R) to include database set up and analysis.
• Knowledge of Mongo DB
• Knowledge of online survey development programs (e.g., Qualtrics, RedCap, etc.)
• Knowledge of programming languages (e.g., Visual Basic, SQL) to run reports and queries in Microsoft Access databases.
• Knowledge of research protocols, methods, and procedures.
• Knowledge of HIPAA guidelines for protection of human subjects, Health Information Technology regulatory guidelines and policies on Protected Health Information.
• Ability to train, learn and master database software platform Mongo DB .
• Ability to complete detailed work accurately and efficiently; quickly learn & follow specific data management procedures; multi-task - manage multiple and competing priorities; work effectively as part of a team; take initiative; provide effective direction to individuals and small groups when necessary; work flexible hours.
• Ability to work well independently and with colleagues/co-workers and demonstrate sensitivity when interacting with community partners from variety of socioeconomic and culturally diverse background.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in an environment subject to dynamic priorities.
• Ability to organize work and perform effectively with a fluctuating workload.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction.
• Ability to understand and follow posted work rules and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to meet deadlines; be detail oriented; possess good judgment and common sense.
• Ability to demonstrate the personal characteristics of professionalism, credibility, commitment to high standards, innovation, discriminating judgment, and accountability.
• Ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills such as diplomacy, tact, and flexibility to interact effectively and respond to faculty, staff and students.
• Ability to present information, communicate ideas clearly and succinctly and to explain technical subjects to technical and non-technical users.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity and interact effectively.
• Ability to provide reliable transportation to and from various research sites, and proof of vehicle insurance.
  
  

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.