Research Assistant - Multi-Site Study Operations

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science•North Chicago, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Human Performance Laboratory and CLEAR at RFUMS is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to serve as the primary study-operations RA for a Department of Defense-funded project to identify urinary proteomic biomarkers of bone adaptation and injury in military recruits. Under the direct supervision of Dr. Shawn Flanagan and in collaboration with the study team, this position will support all aspects of the study. The position is responsible for participant logistics, field-based data collection, biospecimen handling, study documentation and data quality, protocol and IRB compliance, scheduling, and equipment readiness across study sites. Local travel to field and partner locations is expected. Military and VA clearance are required for base and hospital access.

Requirements

Relevant education, coursework, training, or experience in health science, biological science, physiology, biochemistry, kinesiology, clinical research, or a related field.
Experience following detailed procedures and maintaining accurate, complete records.
Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple participants, timepoints, sites, and priorities.
Clear, professional written and verbal communication and the ability to interact respectfully with research participants and partner-site personnel.
Ability to follow approved protocols, SOPs, and safety requirements without unauthorized deviations and to report problems promptly.
Ability to protect confidential information and accurately enter, verify, and organize research data and study documentation.
Ability to work reliably both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary, multi-site team.
Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check.
Must obtain and maintain required human-subjects protection, biospecimen-handling, laboratory safety, and site-access training or credentials.
Must be willing and able to travel to partner and field sites and work a schedule that accommodates operational data-collection needs (likely to include early mornings and weekends).

Nice To Haves

Masters in biological science, kinesiology, clinical research, biochemistry, or a related field.
Experience with human-subjects recruitment or data collection in a clinical, field, or operational setting.
Experience collecting, aliquoting, labeling, storing, or tracking biological specimens, including chain-of-custody or cold-storage documentation.
Experience with anthropometric measurements, participant questionnaires, or support for clinical imaging procedures such as HR-pQCT or DXA.
Experience with electronic research databases, source-document review, or data quality control.
Experience in military health, musculoskeletal injury, biomarker, or multi-site research is desirable.

Responsibilities

Coordinate participant logistics across study timepoints and sites, including scheduling, communication, visit preparation, and participant flow.
Support IRB-approved recruitment, study briefings, consent, screening, and participant relations after completing required training and as delegated by authorized study personnel.
Perform and document field-based data collection in accordance with the approved protocol and SOPs, including urine biospecimen collection and handling, anthropometric measurements, BSI risk factor assessments, and support for HR-pQCT and DXA imaging visits.
Label, aliquot, store, transport, and track biospecimens; maintain chain-of-custody and required temperature and storage records according to study SOPs.
Enter, verify, and track study data and source documentation across timepoints; perform data-quality checks and promptly resolve or escalate discrepancies.
Maintain accurate participant, regulatory, equipment, and study records; protect confidentiality and comply with IRB, Department of Defense, institutional, data security, and safety requirements.
Prepare, calibrate, clean, and maintain study equipment and supplies; document quality-control and maintenance activities and manage inventory control.
Manage administrative, logistical, and scheduling needs across sites, including testing-space preparation, supply coordination, biospecimen transport, and shared study calendars.
Complete required training and demonstrate proficiency before independently performing assigned procedures; participate in team meetings and ongoing SOP training.
Support data and sample organization, progress reporting, and dissemination activities as assigned and within the scope of training.

Benefits

medical, dental, and vision plans
paid parental leave
short term and long term disability plans
life insurance
flexible spending accounts
403(b) retirement plan which includes a 8% employer contribution after 2 years of service
3 weeks of vacation/ personal leave
15 sick days
9 paid holidays
paid winter break
two floating holidays