Human Subject Research Specialist 1

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Temporary

Time Type:

Time as Reported / Per Diem

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

As Scheduled

Department:

400081 General Pediatrics

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 106 H

Compensation Range:

$21.36 - $29.90

Responsibilities:

This is a time-as-reported, temporary position with maximum 17 hours/week and end date 9/05/2026. The Human Subject Research Specialist I (HSRS I) plays a vital role in contributing to the success of large community-based pediatric asthma interventions within the city of Rochester and surrounding areas. As a core member of the team, the HSRS brings consistency, empathy, and technical expertise across all phases of study implementation, from participant recruitment and engagement through in-person and telephone interviews. The HSRS also contributes to high-quality data collection and analysis, manuscript, grant, and audit preparation in addition to supporting the broader research team through staff training and oversight. The HSRS also demonstrates initiative and adaptability in varied environments—from homes to schools to healthcare settings—while upholding ethical standards and embodying the University’s ICARE values. Some evenings and weekends are required. Must have reliable/efficient transportation to travel to schools, homes, healthcare offices and other local sites. Spanish speaking is a plus.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Conduct participant screening for the research studies.

• Conduct telephone calls and in-person conversations to screen potential participants for eligibility and gage interest in a study.
• Conduct detailed screening surveys and use own judgment to determine if subject is eligible.
• Schedule home visits with family, and coordinate schedules with other staff to conduct home visits.
• Organize and maintain all screening data in a database.

Conduct subject enrollment for the research studies.

• Travel to appropriate sites for subject recruitment, including homes, emergency departments, clinics, and schools.
• Explain study in detail and answer all participants’ questions.
• Obtain written informed consent from caregivers and verbal assent from children.
• Conduct interviews and administers surveys to participants.
• Collect breathing measurements (spirometry, eNO), height/weight, and saliva samples from child/adolescent participants.
• Work with children/adolescents to assure comfort with and accuracy of data collection.
• Maintain subject documentation, including memorandums and letters.
• Provide enrollment updates at weekly study meeting, and provide updates daily to director, senior specialists and research nurse.

Ensure timely follow-up data collection for the research studies.

• Conduct telephone, Zoom and in-person (home, school, etc.) interviews to collect follow-up survey data with participants.
• Make sure that all follow-up surveys are conducted within a specific time frame.
• Travel to schools and homes to collect breathing measurements (spirometry, eNO), height/weight, and saliva samples from child/adolescent participants.
• Communicate with primary care, specialty care, and school nurse offices to obtain asthma-related health information.
• Conduct medical record reviews using electronic health records.  

Data collection, data entry, and data maintenance.

• Collect data from interviews and other sources from asthma studies.
• Perform on-site validity checks of data and obtains clarification as needed.
• Verify study related information and review subject records to ensure complete and accurate data.
• Enter data into database. Run reports from database and prepare documents for IRB, NIH and DSMB reporting.
• Oversee data cleaning procedures (reviewing and correcting other team members data collection forms).
• Oversee audit preparations for IRB/NIH (ensuring information and subject files are up to date and complete).
• Assist with database creation, edits and general maintenance Independently create tables and coding schematic for the databases.

Help to hire, train and supervise research staff.

• Conduct interviews and assist with hiring of student research assistants.
• Assist with organizing and conducting training sessions for the multiple aspects of the asthma interventions including survey administration and data entry.
• Assist in supervising daily student activities including, delegating tasks, reviewing progress, and providing additional training when needed.
• Assist with interviews and training of regular full-time staff.

Assist with compiling and disseminating information learned from research studies

• Assist with data analysis using SPSS or Excel, conduct bivariate and multivariate analysis.
• Manuscript preparation - draft abstracts and manuscripts.
• Grant support - assist in preparation of grant materials.
• Presentation preparation - independently organize and design presentations (lectures and posters).
• Conduct literature reviews on related topics using resources provided (library, Ovid Medline and other online sources), as needed.

Communication with study participants, stakeholders, and other study-related personnel.

• Organize subject samples and mail samples to laboratory for analysis; maintain sample results.
• Create and mail study newsletters to families and nurses.
• Organize subject honoraria and mail gift cards to families.
• Communicate with school nurses, school administrators, and medical providers regarding study.
• Attend weekly study meetings and discuss study related issues and provide insightful suggestions for improvement.

Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in social or technical field or Associate’s degree and completion of 6 months in the Human Subject Research Coordinator Trainee Program required
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience in human subject research coordination required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills required.
• Must be flexible, empathetic, and able to engage effectively with diverse populations required.
• Demonstrate efficiency in prioritizing assignments, as well as skill in proactively and independently resolving problems in the field, and recommending/implementing continuous quality improvements required.
• Possess good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook required. 
• Some evenings and weekends shifts required
• Must have reliable/efficient transportation to travel to schools, homes, pediatric offices and other local sites required.
• Spanish Speaking preferred
• Experience with Microsoft Access, REDCap, database development or SPSS preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.