Research Consultant Jobs

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The Department of Epidemiology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Consultant. This position works as part of the Research Support Group and reports directly to the Research & Consulting Manager. The Research Consultant works under limited supervision, and must demonstrate the ability to work independently, but must also be able to interact and work closely with all groups within NACC including the Data and Administrative Groups. This position involves working with various personnel including research scientists, technology professionals, and administrators. Good communication skills are essential in providing the level of service these groups require. This position is expected to contribute ideas to improve organizational efficiency within the Research Support Group and across NACC.
The Research Consultant must understand the intricacies of the NACC database and must develop a thorough understanding of the data collected and how it has changed over time to assist researchers from many disciplines domestically and internationally. The Research Consultant must strive to understand the complexities of terminology related to neurological and other causes of cognitive decline and to attain a working knowledge of the current clinical and basic science associated with the area. This understanding must then be applied to data collection design, quality assurance, and specifying data requests. Training will be provided at the onset of employment, but the Research Consultant must be able to continue to stay current with their understanding of the data and related scientific content independently through the course of their employment.
Responsibilities:
Developing clinical forms, guidance documentation, and researcher data dictionaries:

Compile and track work group decisions

Draft changes into documents for the Public Information Specialist to design

Incorporate changes into REDCap data collection instruments

Review newly designed documents to verify all necessary additions/changes were incorporated and the new document matches the source document

Draft new forms and documentation for review by research scientists

Assist in writing new data validation checks, which will be programmed into NACC's intake technical architecture, to stop erroneous data from being submitted by Centers (e.g., our database will not accept a height of 100 feet tall)

Data requests:

Help investigators obtain NACC data by responding to data requests, specifying eligibility criteria and data elements for the Data Group to create data files, and reviewing files before sharing with investigators

Develop a solid understanding of the NACC data in order to determine the types of data needed by an investigator and how they may want to restrict their files to certain individuals (e.g., restricting the file to individuals with dementia at their first clinical visit)

Work with requesters to update their files as needed

Send survey to individuals new to using NACC data to ask about their experience obtaining our data

Document status and tracking for all data requests

Contribute to shaping and deploying self service tools for acquiring data from NACC

Other / miscellaneous duties:

Answer questions from the Research Support Group email box (or triage questions to other NACC staff as needed)

Review publications using NACC data to make sure the researchers describe the NACC data properly and include the NACC citation

Update and assist in creating summary data tables as necessary

Update and maintain project tracking/task lists for meetings

Online query systems and internal web systems that track publications, data requests, etc.: Assist in testing of new systems and compiling and tracking issues for the data group to fix; Provide feedback on improvements for existing systems

Create new or update current content related to NACC initiatives and documentation

Contribute to academic products, publications and presentations

Support Research Scientist(s)/faculty with presentation and manuscript preparation through administrative review of tables and content

Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in related research field such as Biology, Psychology or Public Health

At least one year of experience within a research environment assisting with data management, data collection design, and other research project duties.

Experience with statistical software (e.g., SAS or R) for data manipulation and analysis.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work under deadline pressure and ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.

Strong project management skills, ability to prioritize work to meet internally and externally imposed deadlines, and adaptability to changing or additional tasks.

Capacity to work professionally and diplomatically interface with a variety of constituencies involved in AD research.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Desired:

Additional experience or strong interest in Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

Highly motivated, proactive, detail oriented, adaptable, and patient.

Customer service experience.
Working conditions:
Project or grant deadlines will require flexibility in the work schedule
Out-of-state travel may be required to attend work group meetings for the new NACC initiatives.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.