Field Data Collector

NORC at the University of Chicago • Houston, TX

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 examining the health, well-being, relationships, memory, and aging experiences of older adults across the United States. Field Data Collectors meet one-on-one with older adults in their homes, guide them through in-depth 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 in-home and other in-person research visits, participant outreach and scheduling, interviews and assessments, and collection of health-related measurements and biological specimens. Employees travel within an assigned territory and use company technology to manage and document visits. They must follow study protocols, confidentiality requirements, and data-quality standards. Specialized equipment and specimen collection procedures are covered in in-person training.

This is an intermittent field position described as flexible and part-time, with an expected availability of 20 to 25 hours per week, including evenings and weekends. Pay is $19.50–$24.00 per hour, based on experience and geographic location, with an additional $1.00 per hour after Spanish/English 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.

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 phone and in-person contacts to gain cooperation.
• Willing to conduct interviews in a respondent’s home, workplace, or another appropriate public location.
• Willing to collect biological specimens, such as saliva and blood.
• 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.
• 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.
• Strong problem-solving skills and persistence in gaining participation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-home research visits, including interviews, assessments, and data collection.
• Build positive relationships with older adults to encourage study participation and engagement.
• Make phone and in-person contacts to gain cooperation, complete screeners, and conduct in-depth interviews.
• Schedule, manage, and document participant visits using company technology.
• Travel within an assigned territory to conduct field-based research activities.
• Conduct interviews and administer cognitive, physical, and health assessments according to established protocols.
• Collect health-related measurements and biological specimens, including saliva and blood, in accordance with protocols and training.
• Communicate persuasively and with appropriate assertiveness to gain respondent cooperation.
• Maintain neutral and objective communication with respondents.
• Maintain accurate documentation and uphold participant privacy, confidentiality, and data-quality standards.
• Follow research protocols, confidentiality requirements, and quality standards.

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 discounts
• Additional bilingual pay of $1.00 per hour after certification

What This Job Offers

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