Field Data Collector

NORC at the University of Chicago•Charleston, WV

1d•Onsite

About The Position

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking 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 in their homes or other appropriate locations, conduct research interviews and assessments, and gather data that contributes to research on aging and quality of life. The work includes traveling within an assigned territory, scheduling and documenting visits with company technology, and following study protocols, confidentiality requirements, and quality standards. After in-person training, staff collect health measurements and biological specimens, including saliva and blood. The position is classified as intermittent, with a flexible part-time schedule of 20 to 25 hours per week, including evenings and weekends. It is suitable for people seeking flexible work, including students, teachers, real estate agents, tax preparers, and retirees. Applicants must reside within 75 miles of the location listed in the posting. NORC is an objective, non-partisan research institution affiliated with the University of Chicago.

Requirements

Available to work 20 to 25 hours per week, including evenings and weekends.
Able to work independently, stay organized, and manage one's own 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.
Able to handle 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 (except 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 unavailable.
Must be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma or GED preferred.
Strong problem-solving skills and persistence in gaining participation.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish/English skills; additional bilingual pay is available after certification.

Responsibilities

Conduct in-home research visits with study participants, 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, confidentiality requirements, and quality standards.
Collect health-related measurements and biological specimens after in-person training and in accordance with established protocols.
Gain respondent cooperation through persuasive communication and appropriate assertiveness.
Maintain neutral and objective communication with respondents.
Conduct interviews in participants' homes and, when appropriate, workplaces or public locations.
Administer cognitive, physical, and health assessments, including collecting saliva and blood specimens in accordance with project protocols and training requirements.
Maintain accurate documentation and uphold participant privacy, confidentiality, and data quality standards.