This is a part-time position. Under general supervision, the Research Assistant (RA) will support the Developmental Project, Improving the Decision-Making Process for Cancer Clinical Trials Participation among Older Latino Adults Experiencing Social Determinants of Health.

The RA will support the project's community-engaged activities, including preparation of focus group and key stakeholder interview guides and study materials; participant recruitment; scheduling and coordination of focus groups and in-depth interviews; assistance with data collection and management; maintenance of study documentation; and communication with participants, community partners, and other stakeholders.

The RA will also support qualitative data organization and analysis activities, intervention development and refinement, community engagement, dissemination activities, and preparation of study materials, presentations, and reports. These activities will contribute to the development and refinement of a culturally relevant, multilevel intervention designed to address barriers and support informed decision-making and participation of older Latino adults in cancer clinical trials.

• The candidate must have strong verbal and written communication, organizational, interpersonal, and multitasking skills; attention to detail; and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

• The candidate must be comfortable interacting with older adults, community members, health care professionals, and community organizations.

• Must be willing to maintain a flexible work schedule to accommodate participant and community needs, including occasional after-hours and Saturday activities.

Education:

• This position requires a bachelor’s degree in science, health science, public health, social or behavioral sciences, or another health-related field.

Experience:

• None required.

• Experience interacting with patients and/or community members is preferred.

• Basic experience with research, qualitative data collection, focus groups or interviews, community-engaged research, community education, or outreach activities is preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience with REDCap are also preferred.

Preferred:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.

• Training and Regulatory Requirements

  • Complete all required IRB, CITI, UT Health San Antonio, study-specific, and other required training in a timely manner. Maintain compliance with study protocols, institutional policies, confidentiality requirements, and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Participant Recruitment and Coordination

  • Work closely with the PI and research team to support recruitment and participation of older Latino patients, community members, and key stakeholders. Assist with identifying and contacting potential participants, explaining study activities, scheduling focus groups and interviews, confirming participation, providing reminders and follow-up, and coordinating participant incentives and other study-related activities. Maintain accurate recruitment and participation records in accordance with approved study procedures.

• Qualitative Research and Data Collection

  • Assist with the preparation and refinement of focus group discussion guides, key stakeholder interview guides, demographic forms, and other study materials. Support the coordination and implementation of focus groups with older Latino patients and community members and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including community health workers/patient navigators, health care providers, nurses, patient advocates, and community leaders.

• Community Engagement and Intervention Development

  • Support communication and engagement with community partners, patients, community members, health care professionals, and other stakeholders participating in the project. Assist with obtaining community and participant input to inform the development of recommendations for a culturally relevant multilevel intervention addressing barriers to cancer clinical trial participation.

• Data Management, Evaluation, and Reporting

  • Maintain complete and accurate source documentation and project records. Support REDCap data entry and management, data quality and integrity activities, and organization and maintenance of qualitative and quantitative project data. Assist with evaluation activities and preparation of project reports for sponsors, regulatory bodies, and other entities, as needed.

• Project and Administrative Support

  • Participate in regular project team meetings, complete assigned tasks, provide routine updates on project progress, and maintain effective communication with the PI, supervisor, research team, and community partners. Assist with scheduling, preparation of meeting materials, documentation of project activities, and other administrative and logistical activities necessary to support successful project implementation.

• Other Project Activities

  • If needed, support other research studies, projects, community education and outreach activities, and program needs as assigned.