Field Data Collector

NORC at the University of Chicago•Richmond, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

NORC at the University of Chicago is hiring Field Data Collectors, also called Field Interviewers, to support the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), a national study of health, well-being, relationships, memory, and aging among older adults in the United States. Field Data Collectors meet with participants individually, primarily in their homes, to conduct research interviews and collect health and cognitive measures. Their work contributes to research intended to help scientists, healthcare professionals, and policymakers better understand aging and improve quality of life. The position involves field visits, participant outreach and scheduling, interviews, assessments, and documentation. Collectors travel within an assigned territory, use company technology to manage visits, and follow research protocols, confidentiality requirements, and quality standards. After in-person training, they collect health-related measurements and biological specimens, including saliva and blood, in accordance with study protocols. This is intermittent field work with a flexible part-time schedule of 20 to 25 hours per week, including evenings and weekends. The role is suited to people who can work independently, organize their own schedules, connect with people from diverse backgrounds, and persist in gaining respondent participation. The pay range is $19.50 to $24.00 per hour, based on experience and geographic location, with an additional $1.00 per hour after bilingual certification. Intermittent staff are eligible for a 403(b) retirement plan, paid sick leave and holidays, paid orientation and training, free counseling and referrals through NORC’s Employee Assistance Program, and employee discount programs.

Requirements

Available to work 20 to 25 hours per week, including evenings and weekends.
Able to work independently, stay organized, and manage a personal schedule.
Comfortable visiting older adults in their homes, including making unannounced outreach visits.
Comfortable making unsolicited contacts by phone and in person to gain cooperation for screening and in-depth interviews.
Willing to conduct interviews in person at a respondent’s home, workplace, or another appropriate public location.
Comfortable handling specialized study equipment after completing in-person training.
Willing to collect biological specimens, such as saliva and blood.
Able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 10 pounds and walk up and down stairs as needed.
Comfortable using a company-provided laptop, tablet, basic medical equipment, and case-management software applications.
Must reside within 75 miles of the location listed in the job posting.
Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and access to reliable transportation.
Must provide I-9 documentation establishing identity and authorization to work in the United States; applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. NORC does not offer visa sponsorship.
Must be at least 18 years old.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus.

Responsibilities

Conduct in-home research visits, including interviews, assessments, and data collection.
Build positive relationships with older adults to support study participation and engagement.
Schedule, manage, and document participant visits using company technology.
Travel within an assigned territory to complete field-based research activities.
Follow research protocols and uphold confidentiality requirements and quality standards.
Gain respondent cooperation through persuasive and appropriately assertive communication.
Maintain neutral and objective communication with respondents.
Conduct interviews in accordance with established protocols.
Administer cognitive, physical, and health assessments.
Collect biological specimens, including saliva and blood, in accordance with project protocols and training requirements.
Maintain accurate documentation and protect participant privacy, confidentiality, and data quality.