For positions beginning in Summer 2018, we are currently looking for Research Assistants (RAs) to aid in the "Youth Relationships Study" (YRS), at the Institute for Health Research and Policy (IHRP). This study is being led by Dr. David DuBois, a professor in UIC's School of Public Health and a faculty affiliate of the Community & Prevention Research Program in the UIC Department of Psychology.
The study’s purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) community-based mentoring (CBM) program for the prevention of crime and delinquency, including examining impacts on a wide range of risk and protective factors for these outcomes. Participants, youth ages 10-16, are being recruited from 16 BBBSA affiliates, located in different regions across the U.S. Enrolled youth are randomly assigned to participate in the CBM program or to a control group. Youth and parents complete surveys at both study enrollment and 18 months later. The study is in its first year of implementation.
We are looking for RAs who are interested in gaining research experience for course credit or as a volunteer during the summer, extending into the fall semester. (Hours devoted to assisting with the study this summer can be applied to course credit for the fall semester instead of the summer if this is preferable.)
All RAs will gain on-the-ground research experience that will help in their next steps after graduation. Whether applying to graduate studies or entering the professional world, Dr. DuBois will be available to provide a letter of reference. Those who continue with the project beyond the summer also will have an opportunity to be included as a co-author on a presentation at a professional conference and/or to be supported in completing a research capstone project.
Duties:
- Data entry and management, using software such as REDCap, Microsoft Excel, and Remark;
- Developing and reviewing study materials;
- Administrative tasks using Microsoft Office;
- Assisting with survey development;
- Quality reviews of incoming study data and documents;
- Communication with team members, participating programs, and BBBSA; and
- Assisting with logistics (e.g. creating and shipping study items to participating agencies).
Position Requirements:
- GPA must be a minimum of 3.5;
- Willing to travel to IHRP (West Campus);
- Minimum time commitment of 8-10 hours per week (flexible schedule);
- Experience with Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint etc).
- Junior standing and above
- Conscientiousness, attention to detail, and ability work independently
- Strong interest in gaining practical experience with research.
If interested, please contact the Study Coordinator, Julius Rivera, at Jriver40@uic.edu.
