Research Area Specialist-Associate

UT Health San Antonio•San Antonio, TX

11d

About The Position

Under the general supervision of Dr. Lisa Smith Kilpela, the Research Area Specialist-Associate supports day-to-day operations of an NIH-funded R01 study examining prospective mental and cardiometabolic health impacts of Binge Eating Disorder and food insecurity in older women. The four-year longitudinal study will enroll 250 women aged 50 and older experiencing food insecurity at the San Antonio Food Bank and follow them over two years using quantitative, clinical, and qualitative data collection methods. The role is central to participant recruitment and retention, data collection, and daily project operations. The specialist works with an interdisciplinary team of clinical and research professionals and conducts community-based research with older women experiencing food insecurity in South Texas. The position supports study activities in accordance with the protocol and IRB-approved procedures, including participant screening and consent, study visits and follow-up, clinical and biometric measurements, database entry, and research documentation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in an educational or social science field.
Up to one year of related experience.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is required for Spanish-language participant communication, data collection, and focus groups.
Ability to organize and coordinate multiple concurrent tasks within schedule constraints and respond to emergent needs in a timely manner.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally, warmly, and sensitively with research participants.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and willingness to learn study-specific software including REDCap.
Ability to monitor complex projects and maintain attention to detail in data collection and documentation.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team, including physicians and community health workers.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is listed as highly preferred, though it is also stated as required in the qualifications.

Responsibilities

Assist with planning, development, and day-to-day implementation of research project activities according to the study protocol and IRB-approved procedures.
Monitor enrollment and data collection progress toward study milestones and report status to the PI.
Ensure program activities are completed according to the study timeline.
Maintain organized and accurate study records, including participant files, consent documentation, and protocol deviation logs.
Recruit participants at the San Antonio Food Bank and other community-based sites.
Conduct participant eligibility screening and informed consent procedures.
Schedule and coordinate Baseline, 12-month, and 24-month study visits, and conduct protocol-specified retention calls at 3, 6, 9, 15, 18, and 21 months.
Assist in implementing retention strategies to minimize participant attrition.
Administer validated self-report surveys and structured clinical assessments under supervision of the PI and clinical team.
Assist with collection of clinical and biometric measurements, including weight, height, body composition (BIA), HbA1c, lipid panels, and glucose levels using validated point-of-care instruments.
Follow standardized protocols for biospecimen collection, instrument operation, and biohazard waste disposal.
Enter data accurately and promptly into REDCap and other study databases.
Support preparation of data for statistical and qualitative analysis under supervision.
Support preparation of IRB submissions, amendments, and continuing review materials.
Assist with progress reports, publications, and conference presentation materials as directed by the PI.
Conduct literature reviews and maintain current knowledge of eating disorders, food insecurity, cardiometabolic health, and aging in women.

Benefits

UT SELECT medical insurance offered free for employees; family members may be added through payroll deduction.
Discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians.
$50,000 group term life insurance and $50,000 basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance at no cost, with options to purchase additional coverage.
Three dental plan options through Delta Dental, including two PPO plans and one HMO plan.
Two vision plan options through Superior Vision Services.
Disability insurance enrollment option providing income if a non-work-related illness or injury prevents work.
Flexible spending accounts for qualifying dependent day care and out-of-pocket health care expenses.
Eligibility for the Teacher Retirement System or Optional Retirement Plan, with voluntary retirement programs also available.
Front-loaded paid time off of 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) annually based on years of service, potentially prorated in the first year.
Extended Illness Bank accrual of eight hours per month, available under the stated use conditions.
Paid family leave of up to 240 hours (six weeks) after six months of consecutive employment.
Twelve set paid holidays each year.
Discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.