Field Data Collector

NORC at the University of Chicago•Conway, AR

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 of health, well-being, relationships, memory, and aging among older adults in the United States. Field Data Collectors conduct one-on-one research visits with older adults, generally in their homes, and guide participants through interviews, assessments, and data collection. The work contributes to research intended to help scientists, healthcare professionals, and policymakers better understand aging and improve quality of life. The position involves independent, field-based work within an assigned territory. Collectors build rapport with participants, schedule and document visits using company technology, 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. The role is classified as intermittent and offers a flexible schedule of 20 to 25 hours per week, including evenings and weekends. It is described as suitable for people seeking flexible work, including students, teachers, real estate agents, tax preparers, and retirees.

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 in-person interviews 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; the posting notes this requirement may be removed for non-driving locations.
Must present 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 with study participants, including interviews, assessments, and data collection.
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.
Schedule, manage, and document participant visits using company technology.
Travel within an assigned territory to complete field-based research activities.
Conduct interviews in accordance with established protocols, including at a respondent’s home, workplace, or another appropriate public location.
Administer cognitive, physical, and health assessments.
Collect health-related measurements and biological specimens, including saliva and blood, in accordance with project protocols and training requirements.
Maintain accurate documentation and uphold participant privacy, confidentiality, and data quality standards.
Comply with research protocols, confidentiality requirements, and quality standards.