OPS - Community Scientist

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

10d

About The Position

Community Scientists work as needed in the UF Health Cancer Institute Community-Partnered Cancer Disparities Research Collaborative (CDRC), which brings together churches and pastors, community and faculty researchers, cancer survivors, student interns, and research staff to conduct community-based participatory research. The collaborative aims to develop interventions and secure large grants that promote cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship, while reducing cancer incidence, deaths, and disparities affecting Black, Hispanic, and other minoritized groups in low-income communities in or near East Gainesville and in rural or low-income communities in Alachua County.

Community Scientists engage with diverse communities to recruit participants for cancer- and health-disparities-related research, explain studies, answer questions, and help eligible community members understand the benefits of participating. They screen participants, obtain informed consent, collect study data—including height and weight—and may facilitate focus groups and distribute participant gift cards. Training, including IRB certification, is provided.

This seasonal, project-based position offers up to 15 hours per week depending on participant availability and program needs; no hours may be available when projects are inactive. The role requires attendance at in-person meetings, training sessions, and community events as needed, in addition to monthly planning meetings and virtual weekly Community Scientist meetings. The position reports to Dr. Carolyn M. Tucker, Director of the CDRC, and Ms. Miles Hamilton, CDRC Program Manager. Expected pay is $16 per hour.

Requirements

• Able to speak, read, and understand English.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Able to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• All training will be provided; no prior experience is required.

Nice To Haves

• Community-based research experience or interest in conducting health-related research.
• Ability to communicate effectively with community members from varied backgrounds.
• Familiarity with the health concerns and needs of underserved communities.
• Passion for reducing cancer disparities and improving community health.
• Established connections within diverse Gainesville and Alachua County communities.
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity.
• Learns quickly.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Current UF students are not preferred for this position.
• Outgoing, articulate, creative, and comfortable initiating conversations with people they may not know.

Responsibilities

• Recruit participants for health promotion and cancer prevention research studies and collaborate with CDRC partner churches.
• Screen potential participants and obtain informed consent for CDRC-led research studies.
• Collect baseline and post-intervention data according to study protocols, including participant height and weight.
• Distribute gift cards after participants complete designated study activities.
• Conduct focus groups with selected participants to gather qualitative data when applicable.
• Attend monthly CDRC planning meetings and virtual weekly Community Scientist meetings.
• Participate in approximately four hours of training on research tasks, participant interaction protocols, and data collection procedures.
• Attend CDRC community engagement events throughout the year and distribute flyers.
• Attend in-person meetings and training sessions as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed