Urban Labs Title: Research Assistant, Health Lab

Urban Labs Title: Research Assistant, Health Lab

 Who We Are:

Urban Labs is a set of highly synergistic labs focused on undertaking inquiry and having impact on five essential dimensions of urban life: crime, education, health, poverty, and energy and environment. Urban Labs partners with cities to identify and rigorously evaluate the policies and programs with the greatest potential to improve human lives at scale. Urban Labs’ evidence-based approach gives policymakers and practitioners the knowledge they need to effectively achieve the greatest social good per dollar spent.

 In sum, UChicago Urban Labs:

·        Identifies promising solutions to urban challenges

·        Tests the most promising urban policies and programs

·        Scales-up the most effective and cost-efficient policies and programs.

 For more information about the UChicago Urban Labs, go to http://urbanlabs.uchicago.edu.

 The Role:

The UChicago Health Lab is seeking a Research Assistant in LaSalle County to support a large-scale research project focused on improving access to high-quality, evidence-based addiction treatment for people with opioid misuse and OUD in justice settings. This position will be a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the opioid crisis in justice settings, and to strengthen both interpersonal and research skills. The position will be part-time for up to 20 hours per week. Research Assistants will regularly report to the respective study site of the research project, in this case the LaSalle County Jail, and will work closely with justice setting staff within a jail setting to recruit and enroll participants. The Research Assistant will also work with Urban Labs staff on project-related needs and will report directly to the project’s Research Manager. The position is based outside of Chicago, but travel to Chicago may be expected on very rare occasions.

 Responsibilities:

·        Undergo training in the responsible conduct of research

·        Undergo training in opioid use disorders and the justice system

·        Recruit and enroll study participants at study site; explain study, risks, benefits and consent

·        Administer structured surveys

·        Maintain confidential data collection and management

·        Data entry, reviewing and cleaning

·        Participate in weekly check-ins with Project Coordinator and monthly group phone calls

·        Administrative tasks as needed

 Competencies:

·        Strong interpersonal skills are required

·        Ability to adhere to strict data/security policies, including the maintenance and handling of PII/PHI and maintain confidentiality

·        Experience working with vulnerable populations

·        Knowledge around substance use disorders

·        Some level of research experience and data/programming experience, particularly REDCap, desirable

·        Strong initiative and a resourceful approach to problem-solving and learning are required

·        Ability to work independently and as part of a team required

·        Strong attention to detail with superb organization skills required

·        Spanish language skills desirable

 Working Conditions

·        Direct patient or client contact

·        Work in justice setting (jail or prison)

Education

·        Progress towards a degree in a social science discipline such as public health, social work, public policy, etc.

 For more information, please contact Mary Shapley at mshapley@uchicago.edu.