Research Assistant 2

Department Overview

This position will serve as a key role within a low-risk cardiovascular health intervention study. Under general supervision and following training in motivational interviewing, this individual will independently deliver a virtual cardiovascular health intervention. The role will also support maintaining accurate and timely documentation of intervention sessions and participant progress.

Further, with general supervision, this person will independently engage in participant recruitment, scheduling/coordinating follow-up contacts, and in-person data collection, and in-person or virtual data management. This position will obtain/manage accelerometer and heart health data (e.g., weight/height, blood pressure/heart rate) from participants in the intervention group and engage in data entry/verification/management via Qualtrics and other study databases, as needed.

The position requires strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal and relationship building abilities, and effective time/organization management, and problem solving skills.

Experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) and/or Nurse Educator in the cardiovascular health clinical field is strongly preferred, and candidates with this experience will receive priority consideration. Proficiency in Qualtrics is preferred. Flexibility is important, as some evening or weekend hours may be needed to accommodate participant availability during the intervention period.

Please note that this is not a full-time position and is not expected to become a full-time position in the future.

Function/Duties of Position

• Deliver one-on-one, evidence-based cardiovascular health intervention to participants through virtual sessions 

• Engage in conducting 12 weekly virtual intervention sessions, coordinating times that best accommodate participant availability, including occasional evenings or weekends 

• Apply evidence-based techniques, including motivational interviewing to support participant engagement and progress (training will be provided by the research team)

• Build and maintain rapport with participants, providing consistent support throughout the intervention period  

• Adhere to established study protocols to ensure consistent and high-quality intervention delivery 

• Document intervention sessions and participant progress accurately and in a timely manner 

• Conduct in-person data collection, follow-up calls/emails, and data management for (a) research study(ies), and involve some other research activities (e.g., coordinate data collection visits) for participants. 

• Engage in a regular research team meeting and work with other research team member(s) and report to the manager.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in relevant field (Nursing) OR
• Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience OR
• 4 years of relevant experience OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience 
• Experience conducting human subjects research
• Experience with data collection or management in clinical or health related research using Qualtrics 
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Demonstrated organization and time-management skills
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members
• Proven record of reliable attendance, proactive work attitudes, punctuality, and successful performance in past and current roles.
• Proven ability to manage time effectively; ability to complete tasks in an accurate and timely manner.
• Experience using virtual platforms (e.g., Teams or Webex or Zoom) for engaging with patients or study participants
• Proficiency with computer software and applications, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and virtual meeting platforms (or equivalent tools).
• Availability and commitment to serve in this role during the study period.
• Ability to perform the job duties with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Nursing or Nursing Education 
• Registered Nurse (RN) or nurse educator with clinical experience in cardiovascular health, cardiac care, or closely related clinical experience (candidates with this experience will receive priority consideration)
• Prior experience as a nurse educator or similar role involving patient education either in hospital or community-based settings
• At least 6 months of research experience working with human subjects in a web-based setting
• Experience in clinical teaching setting or working with study participants in web-based settings.
• Experience working with online survey program such as Qualtrics.
• Strong problem-solving skills and creative thinking.
• Demonstrate the ability to make independent judgment in moderate to complex situations related to development, planning, and implementation decisions

• Registered Nurse or Nurse Educator

Additional Details

• Monday – Saturday, hours may vary based on study needs and participant availability. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
• Location: Marquam Hill.
• Work will be conducted in a hybrid format, including both virtual and in-person activities. On-site office work may be required based on study needs and at the discretion of the PI. Attendance at regular in-person research team meetings is required.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]