Field Data Collector

NORC at the University of Chicago•Midlothian, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking Field Data Collectors, also called Field Interviewers, to support the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), a national study examining older adults’ health, well-being, relationships, memory, and aging experiences. Field Data Collectors meet one-on-one with older adults in their homes or other appropriate locations, conduct research interviews and assessments, 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-based visits within an assigned territory, participant outreach and scheduling, and use of company technology to manage and document visits. Collectors must follow research protocols and maintain confidentiality, participant privacy, and data quality. After attending in-person training, they collect health-related measurements and biological specimens, including saliva and blood, using specialized study equipment. This is intermittent field work with a flexible schedule of 20 to 25 hours per week, including evenings and weekends. The pay range is $19.50–$24.00 per hour, based on experience and geographic location. After certification, bilingual employees receive an additional $1.00 for each hour worked. Intermittent staff are eligible for a 403(b) retirement plan, paid sick leave, paid 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, organize work, 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 respondents’ homes, workplaces, or other appropriate public locations.
Willing to collect biological specimens, such as saliva and blood, after required training.
Comfortable handling specialized study equipment after completing in-person training.
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 (not required in non-driving locations).
Must provide evidence of identity and authorization to work in the United States and be eligible to work in the U.S.; visa sponsorship is not available.
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, interviews, assessments, and data collection with study participants.
Build positive relationships with older adults to support study participation and engagement.
Gain respondent cooperation through persuasive and appropriately assertive communication, including unsolicited phone and in-person contacts.
Maintain neutral and objective communication with respondents.
Conduct interviews at a respondent’s home, workplace, or another appropriate public location, following established protocols.
Administer cognitive, physical, and health assessments.
Collect biological specimens, including saliva and blood, in accordance with study protocols and training requirements.
Schedule, manage, and document participant visits using company technology.
Travel within an assigned territory to complete field-based research activities.
Maintain accurate documentation and uphold participant privacy, confidentiality, research protocols, and data quality standards.