Research Specialist

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for Health Disparities Research (CHDR), led by Director Dr. Amy Kind and Deputy Directors Drs. Nicole Rogus-Pulia and Andrea Gilmore-Bykovskyi, invites applications from highly motivated individuals to join our dynamic, growing, and multidisciplinary team. As a research specialist with CHDR, you will have the opportunity to contribute to research projects with far-reaching influence, including the largest study of its kind on social determinants of health in the context of Alzheimer's Disease. Broadly, our work is focused on mechanisms of health disparities - the ways fundamental factors such as race, ethnicity, and identity interact with a complex array of geopolitical, socioeconomic, health care, cultural, social, psychological, physiological, genetic, and cellular factors to produce different population health outcomes. The Research Specialist position will specifically be part of the research program of Nicole Rogus-Pulia, PhD, CCC-SLP, a leader in dementia and dysphagia care research and Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Dr. Rogus-Pulia's research laboratory, the Swallowing & Salivary Bioscience Lab (SSBL), is a translational research program focused on dysphagia, or swallowing dysfunction, in vulnerable older adult populations. Their goal is to systematically identify and characterize factors underlying dysphagia in patients and then to translate these findings into novel, evidence-based treatments for maintenance of quality of life and prevention of pneumonia onset. This position will support two National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded projects led by Dr. Rogus-Pulia: 1) the Care Research Core (Core H) within the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center; and 2) the Swallowing Trajectories and Dysphagia Predictors in Alzheimer’s Disease (SPHERE) study. Core H provides novel expertise and resources to conduct innovative studies that will enhance patient care and change clinical practice, and SHPERE aims to learn more about the swallowing changes and risk factors associated with dysphagia in Alzheimer’s Disease. The individual will support the research and work by managing data, recruiting and scheduling participants, analyzing data, and contributing to community outreach and education to connect research with the broader community. The incumbent will work independently and as part of a group on both projects simultaneously, prioritizing projects based on deadlines and interdisciplinary collaboration. Attention to detail, time management and excellent organization will be critical to the success of this position, as well as strong oral and written communication skills. This position is full or part-time, 80%-100% This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location. Terminal, 24-month appointment This position has the possibility to be converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding. This position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations. The selected candidate will be required to pass an initial caregiver check to be eligible for employment under the Wisconsin Caregiver Law and every four years. Must provide a valid driver's license. Employees may use their own transportation or receive approval for University Car Fleet usage. Employment is conditional pending the results of a Pre-hire Driver Authorization Check. See https://businessservices.wisc.edu/managing-risk/driver-authorization-and-insurance/driver-authorization/#become-authorized-driver (click on “Become an authorized driver;” then click on “Required criteria”).

Requirements

Minimum one year of experience in epidemiology, health services, or related research field.
This must include experience working within clinical and/or health services research protocols, including research quality assurance and Institutional Review Board applications.
Experience communicating with a variety of audiences, collaborators, partners, and academic fields.
Experience with research study recruitment and registry maintenance.
Experience helping research participants connect with meaningful supports and resources.
Demonstrated experience with populations with dementia.
Excellent writing and communications skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Flexibility to work both independently and collaboratively.
Demonstrated experience and expertise in research design, research methods, statistical analyses, and presentation of results.
Must provide a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Experience with patient and healthcare provider focus groups.
Demonstrated interest in dementia care and brain health research.
Experience with literature reviews.

Responsibilities

Performs literature reviews and writes reports
Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s).
Collects data and monitors test results
Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area.
Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
Engage with community groups to support research outreach, recruitment, and strengthen community partnerships