Student Research Assistant

Overview

The salary for this position is $18.00 per hour and is non-negotiable. 

This is a 20-hour per week position. This position will be based at the ICCRN offices in El Centro, CA. Candidates must be currently enrolled at SDSU/SDSU IV.

The Imperial County Clinical Research Network (ICCRN) is building the infrastructure (personnel, systems, policies, and procedures) for clinical research within the rural, border community of Imperial County, CA. Through ICCRN, SDSU and SDSU IV scientists, the SDSU IV RISE (Research, Innovation, Student Engagement) Center, and Innercare, a Federally Qualified Health Center, have partnered to develop a research agenda and associated infrastructure to support research across different diseases and health conditions to address health disparities. Leveraging the existing relationships between these organizations, this National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)-funded initiative serves a hard-to-reach population along the US-Mexico border, with implications to other rural and border communities. Among other activities, ICCRN brings together three advisory committees (patient, clinician, community stakeholders) to inform research priorities and associated infrastructure needs relevant to the health and well-being of Imperial County residents. ICCRN supports three research projects working with the healthcare partner organization. Further, ICCRN collaborates with another Clinical Research Network site and a coordinating center. The ultimate goal of this effort is to identify relevant, feasible, sustainable, and potentially translatable approaches for promoting health and well-being in rural, border communities in the U.S.

Under direction of the ICCRN Pilot Project Leaders, the Student Research Assistant (RA) will provide assistance and support to the Projects in conducting ICCRN activities. Activities are focused on project implementation as well as infrastructure development, including development of procedure manuals and materials for ICCRN projects. The position is expected to begin in January 2025. This position will provide an opportunity to gain experience building a clinical network site as well as exposure to implementing clinical research methods. The Student RA will primarily support project specific activities related to participant recruitment and tracking, data collection, and communication with research participants in both English and Spanish, as well as management and processing of data. 

Strong computer skills (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, Google Suite) and the ability to manage competing priorities, be flexible, and demonstrate strong detail orientation are essential. The ideal candidate will also be bilingual in English and Spanish and have a positive attitude and an energetic mind that is characterized by a commitment to diversity, openness, integrity and a community orientation.

Responsibilities

The Student Research Assistant is responsible for but not limited to:

Project Specific Activities 85%

• Assisting with participant recruitment, including screening individuals for eligibility and enrolling participants in the project, both in person, at offsite locations, and over the phone
• Assisting with delivery of project-related surveys and interviews, both on the phone and in person
• Assisting with participant communication, including participant emails, correspondence, and appointment scheduling and reminders, incentive distribution, both in person and over the phone
• Inputting and updating data in project-related spreadsheets, databases (i.e., REDCap) and/or data analysis software 
• Ensuring accuracy and integrity of collected data 
• Managing and maintaining research files in an organized, accessible manner
• Assisting in the preparation of project communications, presentations or posters for meetings, conferences or other venues 
• Participating in regular meetings with the research team to discuss progress and next steps
• Communicating project related information with project leads, ICCRN staff, and ICCRN leadership
• Assisting with ICCRN data management and data quality control activities

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 15%

• Responding to emails and inquiries in a timely and professional manner 
• Maintaining routine communication with supervisor and others providing assignments to ensure coordination and implementation of assigned activities are on target and within established deadlines
• Learning new software applications, such as REDCap and SPSS, as needed to support work assignments
• Participating in ICCRN evaluation activities as needed
• Ensuring compliance with SDSURF policies and procedures across all functions listed above
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Knowledge & Abilities Required

• Ability to comply with all ICCRN and SDSURF policies and procedures, and successfully complete and maintain all required CITI research ethics training once onboarded
• Ability to quickly learn and apply elementary research methods and procedures
• Ability to follow oral and written directions
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and instructions thoroughly and accurately
• Ability to interact and communicate clearly and effectively in a professional manner, both orally and in writing
• Ability to display excellent attention to detail
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of research information
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of professionalism and cultural sensitivity when interacting with colleagues, organizational partners, and advisory committee members from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds

Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION

• Undergraduate or graduate student at SDSU or SDSU IV,
• Completion of sufficient lower division coursework to successfully perform the required duties of the position, -OR- Equivalent of one year related experience in lieu of coursework

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

• -OR- Equivalent of one year related experience in lieu of coursework

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• Candidate must reside in California and live in 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 EEO/AA/Disability/Vets/Title IX Employer.

Salary : $18