Field Data Collector

NORC at the University of Chicago • Nashville, TN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

NORC at the University of Chicago is hiring Field Data Collectors (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 individually with participants at their homes, workplaces, or other appropriate public locations to conduct research interviews, assessments, and data collection. The work contributes to research intended to help scientists, healthcare professionals, and policymakers understand aging and improve quality of life.

The role involves independent, flexible, part-time field work, including travel within an assigned territory and outreach to potential participants by phone and in person. Collectors schedule, manage, and document visits with company technology and follow research protocols, confidentiality requirements, and data-quality standards. After in-person training, they administer cognitive, physical, and health assessments and collect biological specimens, including saliva and blood.

The position is classified as intermittent. Pay is $19.50–$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, paid holidays, paid orientation and training, free counseling and referrals through NORC’s Employee Assistance Program, and employee discounts. The position requires applicants to be eligible to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

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.
• Willing to conduct interviews at a respondent’s home, workplace, or another appropriate public location.
• Strong problem-solving skills and persistence in gaining participation.
• Comfortable handling specialized study equipment after completing in-person training.
• Willing to collect biological specimens, including 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; the posting notes this requirement may be removed for 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; additional bilingual pay is available after certification.

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 communication and appropriate assertiveness.
• Maintain neutral and objective communication with respondents.
• Conduct interviews in accordance with established study protocols.
• Administer cognitive, physical, and health assessments.
• Collect biological specimens, including saliva and blood, in accordance with project protocols and training requirements.
• Schedule, manage, and document participant visits using company technology.
• Travel within the assigned territory to complete field-based research activities.
• Maintain accurate documentation and uphold participant privacy, confidentiality, and data quality standards.
• Make phone and in-person outreach contacts, including unannounced visits, to gain cooperation and complete screeners and interviews.

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Paid orientation and training
• Free counseling and referrals through NORC’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee discount programs, including travel and electronics

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: High school or GED