Field Research Specialist, Firefighter Health Studies

The University of Arizona•Tucson, AZ

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arizona is seeking a motivated, highly organized Field Research Specialist to support the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study. The role primarily involves field-based human subjects research and frequent travel within Arizona and across the United States to collect data from firefighter participants. The specialist plans and coordinates field collection events, recruits and interacts with participants, administers surveys, collects and processes biological specimens, and maintains accurate study documentation. The role also includes preparing, packing, and shipping specimens according to established protocols, as well as assisting with laboratory processing, study preparation, data management, and other research activities when not in the field. Fieldwork is generally conducted as part of a team and may involve extended periods of travel together. Data collection is often scheduled around fire department operations and may take place outside standard business hours, with frequent overnight travel. The specialist must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional on-call work. A valid driver's license and ability to drive in accordance with the University Fleet Safety Policy are required. Visa sponsorship is not available. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position based at the University of Arizona's Tucson Campus. The stated salary range is $53,039–$66,299 at 1.0 FTE. The position is FLSA exempt and eligible for full benefits.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience.
Three years of relevant work experience may be required.
Valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
Knowledge and previous experience conducting human subjects research, particularly participant-facing or field-based research.
Knowledge of and experience with REDCap.
Knowledge of or experience in safe shipment of biological specimens.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks in dynamic field environments.
Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional on-call work.
Ability to travel frequently, including overnight travel and extended periods traveling with a fieldwork team.

Nice To Haves

Phlebotomy experience and certification.
Completion of CITI Program Human Subjects Research training.
Experience recruiting, consenting, or interacting with research participants.
Experience collecting, processing, handling, or shipping biological specimens.
Experience conducting field research or coordinating field data collection activities.
Experience following research protocols and maintaining accurate participant and sample documentation.
Experience independently coordinating research logistics or data collection events.

Responsibilities

Travel frequently to research sites in Arizona and throughout the United States to support recruitment and data collection.
Recruit, screen, and enroll firefighter participants; conduct informed consent according to protocol and delegated authority.
Administer participant surveys and questionnaires, respond to routine participant questions, and escalate protocol issues to study leadership.
Collect biological specimens, such as urine and blood, in accordance with protocols and applicable training or certification requirements.
Distribute, track, and retrieve exposure-assessment equipment, including silicone wristbands and other sampling devices.
Adjust collection sequencing and logistics as needed in response to fire department operations and changing field conditions while maintaining protocol compliance.
Document participant enrollment, specimen collection, survey completion, and field activities accurately and contemporaneously.
Contact participants in person and remotely to support recruitment, follow-up, and retention; protect confidentiality and comply with human subjects research and data security requirements.
Coordinate assigned field-event logistics with research staff, fire service partners, and participating agencies, including schedules, supplies, equipment, shipping, and travel.
Serve as a scheduling and logistics contact for fire department liaisons for assigned events.
Prepare, inventory, and track field supplies and equipment, and identify needs for upcoming deployments.
Communicate collection progress, issues, and protocol deviations to the research team and recommend solutions to recurring field problems.
Label, process, and store biological specimens according to established protocols.
Maintain chain-of-custody records and specimen documentation from collection through laboratory receipt.
Monitor and maintain specimen temperature control during field collection, storage, and transport.
Package and ship biological specimens to collaborating laboratories in compliance with institutional, carrier, and hazardous-materials shipping requirements.
Perform laboratory processing, organization, and storage of biological specimens as assigned.
Enter, review, and maintain study data in REDCap and other study databases.
Conduct quality-control reviews of field documentation and study data, and identify and resolve missing or inconsistent information.
Prepare materials and supplies for upcoming field activities.
Participate in research team meetings and contribute field-based input to procedures and study materials.
Perform other related research duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Disability programs
Paid vacation
Paid sick leave
Paid holidays
Tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University
Retirement plans
Access to University of Arizona recreation and cultural activities
Work-life programs