Field Specialist Job in Iowa City, Iowa Us
Social Scientific Systems, Inc. (SSS), a company dedicated to improving public health around the world, is involved in an important research project which is studying the lung health of farmers in Iowa. We are actively seeking a Field Specialist to assist with activities involved in conducting studies, such as collecting biological and/or environmental specimens, administering data collection forms, and coordinating a variety of other field activities. This position interacts closely with Study Managers, Field Coordinator, Research Assistants, and Lab Director and/or Lab Supervisor. It is a position with critical responsibilities that directly affect the quality of specimens and data collected from study participants.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Persons serving in this position may be assigned to several field studies, each with their own unique set of tasks. The following are typical roles and responsibilities:
- Assists the study manager and other study staff in conducting and/or coordinating research tasks as needed at the study site(s).
- Relates professionally to all participants, members of the public, hospital/clinic staff and study staff, at all times. Exhibits a professional attitude at all times, maintains work quality, professional behavior, and public impression both in person and on the telephone.
- Attends training sessions as required, and becomes certified in study protocols. Training may include topics such as: Human Subjects Protection, BloodBorne Pathogens, Universal Precautions, and other study-specific materials.
- Travels as necessary to field sites, which may include subject's homes, clinics, hospitals or other facilities reserved for study activities. For most positions, must have access to a car and a good driving record. Mileage and travel will be reimbursed. Some overnight travel may be necessary throughout a study.
- Follows Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Human Subjects guidelines on confidentiality and interacts with volunteer study subjects in an appropriate and professional manner.
- May administer screeners, questionnaires, consent forms, compensation receipt forms or other forms to the study participants; processes documentation that may require signatures and dates for study records. Thoroughly completes all study paperwork (checklists, exam forms, informed consent statements, etc.) as required by the study protocol.
- Creates and maintains appointment schedules, as necessary, in conjunction with field coordinator. This may require making telephone calls to participants to schedule visits, and placing reminder phone calls before the visit.
- Maintains field equipment in an operational and secure manner, ensures safe transport and handling, and as necessary, keeps equipment stored securely when not in use.
- Uses computer applications to proficiently complete data entries from field visits and responds in timely and professional manner to all study communications, including email.
- May collect specimens according to specific study protocols in a professional, efficient, and safe manner without undue trauma to the study subject. Demonstrates attention to detail, especially in regards to subject/sample identifiers; phone calls, visit date and time, etc. Specimens may include blood, urine, other bodily fluids, toenail clippings, and/or environmental specimens such as household dust, soil, water or air samples.
- When phlebotomy is required: the field specialist is able to manage difficult blood draw situations; handle patient situations that might make venipuncture difficult; uses supplies (tube holders, syringes and winged blood collection sets) as appropriate; collects specimens according to best practices and study-specific blood draw order/hierarchy. Follows Universal Precautions during all specimen handling; understands potential work hazards and how to avoid them; uses all available engineering and process control mechanisms to avoid injury to self, study participant or lab staff; and, avoids injury from needle-sticks. Is pro-active in managing field visits to avoid problems and offer strategies to prevent them.
- May perform minimal specimen processing in the field or upon return to the SES laboratory. [E.g. centrifugation, aliquotting, and labeling]. Ships specimens from the field to the central SSS laboratory, ensuring that temperature and time requirements are met for prompt delivery of quality specimens. Ensures careful handling of all specimens during collection, labels specimens completely and legibly, and coordinates efficient transport by courier.
Required Skills
Ability to overcome difficult blood draw situations in order to obtain quality specimens that can make venipuncture difficult in order to minimize occurrences of unsuccessful phlebotomy. Excellent people and communication skills. Ability to motivate participants to successfully complete spirometry testing.Strong computer skills. Required Experience
Bachelor's degree preferred and at least 2 years of experience doing field work for epidemiology or clinical research studies. Technical training and/or recent experience in phlebotomy. Certification preferred, but not required.
Must be organized, reliable and have a reliable vehicle. Must have a clean driving record. Must be available to conduct home visits Sunday - Thursday. Must be able to travel outside of immediate area of residence with possibility of overnight travel when necessary. Must have access to high speed internet connection at home.
