Research Associate I - Social Sciences (Hourly)

University of Illinois Chicago•Chicago, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports a research project funded by DePaul University, with the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) serving as a sub awardee responsible for implementing the Fit & Strong! evidence-based exercise intervention. The incumbent will deliver Fit & Strong! classes at community-based organizations serving older adults throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Responsibilities include facilitating exercise sessions with fidelity to the program curriculum, maintaining required certifications, traveling to program sites, and completing project-related documentation to ensure successful implementation of the intervention and compliance with study protocols.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social science or related field required.
Knowledge of fundamental research concepts, practices and procedures.
Entry level knowledge of research methods.

Nice To Haves

Experience in teaching exercise/fitness

Responsibilities

Lead and facilitate Fit & Strong! exercise classes in accordance with the established program curriculum, ensuring participants receive safe, effective, and engaging instruction tailored to program guidelines.
Travel to community-based program sites to deliver Fit & Strong! classes, ensuring reliable attendance, timely arrival, and professional representation of the research team and institution.
Maintain all required exercise instructor certifications, program-specific trainings, and continuing education requirements necessary to deliver Fit & Strong! with fidelity to established protocols and best practices.
Accurately collect, verify, and maintain participant attendance records and all required project documentation during each Fit & Strong! program iteration, ensuring completeness, confidentiality, and compliance with study and institutional requirements.
Prepare instructional materials, exercise equipment, and classroom spaces before each session, and ensure all equipment is properly maintained, sanitized, and stored following program use.
Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment that encourages participant engagement, adherence, and safe participation throughout the exercise program.
Monitor participant safety during exercise sessions, modify activities as appropriate based on individual abilities and health considerations, and promptly report any participant concerns or adverse events according to study protocols.
Communicate regularly with the research team regarding class schedules, participant attendance, program progress, and operational needs to support successful implementation of the intervention.
Assist with additional program-related responsibilities and special projects as assigned to support the successful delivery and evaluation of the Fit & Strong! intervention.
Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.