For positions beginning in Fall 2019, 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 fall, extending into the spring semester.
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 fall 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.
We are looking to fill positions for TWO teams:
Quality Assurance and Data Entry/Management
Duties:
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- 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:
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- 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
Participant Outreach Positions:
We are also looking for individuals with some background in community outreach or other type of customer service to conduct data collection activities with our study participants. People with experience working with the public over the telephone and/or working with youth will be considered for these positions. These positions are ideal for students who are interested in pursuing graduate work in social science research and would like some practical experience working with a diverse range of people, including youth. The duties include:
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- Conduct outreach to research participants via email, telephone, social media and/or text
- Administer surveys to youth aged 11 – 17 over the telephone
- Maintain records using software such as REDCap and Microsoft Excel
- Monitor and process completed surveys when they arrive in either REDCap or by mail
- Troubleshoot contacting hard-to-reach study participants
- Help participants to problem-solve any issues that may interfere with completing surveys
Position requirements are the same as for the RA position above, but with the additional requirement of experience working with the public—either in a community outreach or customer service capacity. Also, afternoon and evening availability is essential.
If interested in these participant outreach positions, please contact Vanessa Brechling at vbrech@uic.edu.
