Field Data Collector

NORC at the University of Chicago • Ithaca, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

NORC at the University of Chicago is hiring Field Data Collectors, also known as Field Interviewers, to support the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), a national study examining health, well-being, relationships, memory, and aging among older adults in the United States. The work contributes to research intended to help scientists, healthcare professionals, and policymakers understand aging and improve quality of life.

Field Data Collectors conduct one-on-one research visits with older adults in their homes, workplaces, or other appropriate public locations. They guide participants through in-depth interviews, administer cognitive, physical, and health assessments, and collect biological specimens such as saliva and blood after completing in-person training. They also build rapport with participants, schedule and document visits using company technology, travel within an assigned territory, and follow study protocols and requirements for confidentiality and data quality.

This is an intermittent position with a flexible part-time 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 completing 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, stay organized, and manage a personal schedule.
• Comfortable making unsolicited contacts by phone and in person to complete screeners and conduct in-depth interviews.
• Comfortable visiting older adults in their homes, including making unannounced outreach visits.
• Willing to conduct 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.
• Must present evidence of identity and authorization to work in the United States; applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. NORC does not offer visa sponsorship.
• Must be at least 18 years old.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Gain respondent cooperation through persuasive communication and appropriate assertiveness.
• Maintain neutral and objective communication with respondents.
• Conduct in-home interviews in accordance with established protocols.
• Administer cognitive, physical, and health assessments.
• Collect biological specimens, including saliva and blood, in accordance with project protocols and training requirements.
• Build positive relationships with older adults to support participation and engagement.
• Schedule, manage, and document participant visits using company technology.
• Travel within an assigned territory to conduct field-based research activities.
• 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
• Employee discount programs, including travel and electronics discounts
• Additional bilingual pay of $1.00 per hour worked after certification is completed

What This Job Offers

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