Preconception Research Assistant / Research Assistant I

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics at Michigan State University is seeking a Community Research Assistant to fill a position in the East Lansing area. This position will provide the applicant with an opportunity to support research meant to impact maternal and child health in Michigan, and across the nation. This project, Child Health Advances from Research with Mothers (CHARM), is a state-wide study involving scientists from MSU, University of Michigan, Wayne State University, Henry Ford Health System, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

CHARM is a part of a nation-wide cohort, Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO). To date, the CHARM cohort includes more than 1,500 families, while the ECHO cohort boasts a remarkable count of over 35,000 families. Local and national researchers have leveraged the extensive data and samples gathered from these families, leading to the publication of significant scientific findings regarding childhood asthma, neurodevelopment, environmental exposures, stress, sleep, and numerous other domains. Looking ahead, the cohort aims to enroll approximately 200 pregnant people over the next two years, aiming to collect crucial pregnancy-related information that could shed light on the impact of prenatal experiences on long-term child health outcomes.

• Recruitment of Participants
  • Identify eligible participants within the existing cohort for inclusion in the preconception protocol.
  • Enrolling partners of current participants into the preconception group.
  • Obtain informed consent from participants for participant in the preconception study.
  • Incorporate the ECHO protocol seamlessly into the clinical workflows.
  • Introduce the new aspects of the study to participants and answer any questions or concerns.
• Biospecimen Collection and Organization
  • Collaborate on the development of preconception biospecimen protocols.
  • Implement biospecimen protocols in the field, anticipating and addressing potential issues.
  • Maintain meticulous logs of all collected biospecimens.
  • Responsible for the collection, processing, logging, and shipping of preconception biospecimens.
• Data Collection and Organization
  • Utilize REDCap to gather survey data from participants and their partners.
  • Conduct follow-up with participants and to ensure completion of surveys and sample collection.
  • Maintain updated records across multiple database systems.
• Administrative (20%)
  • Communicate new project information to participants as needed.
  • Attend weekly check-ins with supervisor and bi-weekly check-ins with the larger study team.
  • Employ logic and critical thinking to troubleshoot recruitment and retention challenges.
  • Adapt to evolving protocols and expectations from the study funder.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in the specific field of research employment or other related science fields; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in standard laboratory procedures and safety requirements and performing analytical and research techniques in an area related to research being performed; may require software specific to the area of research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The position may require special licensing or certification in the field related to the area of employment.

Desired Qualifications

Experience working with prenatal patients and/or mothers and their partners. Experience handling human biological samples. Proficiency in medical terminology. Prior experience with REDCap.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Work Hours

Work hours may vary from week to week depending on clinic hours and participant availability. Will not require evening and weekend hours.

Description of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded until 05/31/2025 with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Summary of Physical Demands

This position would require shipping and transporting of specimen and materials that may exceed 25 pounds.

Summary of Health Risks

Yes, this position involves exposure to health risks as this position involves collection of biospecimens such as blood, urine, and semen.

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 05/21/2024 at 11:55 PM