Research Specialist and Physical Activity Coach

103958BR

Campus: Downtown Phoenix

Research Specialist

Job Description

Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation seeks applicants for two full-time (40 hours/week), salaried benefits eligible positions as Research Associate and Physical Activity Coach. The positions will work closely and collaboratively with the Principal Investigator(s), research team, and other stakeholders to plan, direct, organize, and execute project requirements for a recently NIH-funded research study focused on increasing physical activity among insufficiently active midlife adults. Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to): delivery of virtual physical activity coaching sessions that incorporates principles of motivational interviewing and health coaching; protocol development; participant recruitment; coordination of team meetings; supervision of research team members, including other staff and students; administration of standardized interviews and cognitive assessments; conducting in-person study orientation sessions and data collection assessments with study participants; data entry/monitoring; preparation of reports and presentations reporting study progress and outcomes.

Job Family

Research & Laboratory

Department Name

Edson Sponsored

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

VP Code

VP/EXEC VICE PROV DPC

Scope of Search

Open

Grant Funded Position

This is a grant funded position. Continuation is contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range

$42,000 - $52,000 per year; DOE

Close Date

05-September-2024

Category

02

Essential Duties

Works closely and collaboratively with key stakeholders to define project scope, strategy, budget, and outcomes; identifies critical resource expertise and targets appropriate internal and/or external sources to ensure optimal outcome(s).

Specific to the Research Specialist responsibilities:
Establishes and continually monitors/manages project expectations with team; prepares and maintains project status reports (including budget reports and progress reports) and schedules; tracks milestones/deliverables, critical paths and dependencies; re-sets expectations as needed in consideration of project progress/outcomes; responds to all inquiries regarding project status; prepares and responds to all regulatory reporting/filings to ensure compliance.

Specific to Physical Activity Coach responsibilities:
Works collaboratively with Principal Investigator(s) and research staff to ensure timely development and delivery of structured physical activity coaching sessions according to established protocols; supports recruitment efforts, conducts in-person eligibility screenings and weekly coaching sessions; manages scheduling of coaching sessions; takes notes during meetings and sends follow-up messages to participants, as needed. Additional responsibilities of the position include clearly and respectively communicating with participants, team members, and other professionals; coordination of project activities; documentation of participant and research team communications and activities; tracking progress; and contributes to an environment that promotes team effectiveness and morale.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment AND two years related research experience; OR, Six years research experience appropriate to the area of assignment; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

• Evidence of a Master’s degree in health promotion, public health, social work, kinesiology, exercise science, healthcare delivery, or related field.
• Experience on NIH-funded research projects.
• Experience and/or interest in the areas of physical activity, public health, and health promotion.

Working Environment

• Ability to lift and transport up to 25lbs
• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds
• Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential duties
• Communicate orally and in writing
• Use critical thinking to make decisions and/or analyze and report data/results of tests conducted
• Deliver presentations to a variety of audiences
• Handle petty cash
• Initiate confidential correspondence on behalf of the project
• Conduct interviews over the phone or in person
• Work in a school or community setting
• Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts
• Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work
• Schedule appointments and maintain calendar for project
• Supervise staff and/or students
• Use lab equipment - please specify equipment: Garmin activity monitors, ActiGraph accelerometers
• Use an ASU or personal vehicle to travel to different campuses
• Use of basic math and a calculator
• Use office equipment including a desktop computer.
• Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse
• Works under supervision
• Works from general instructions on standard job duties and specific directions/instructions on new assignments
• Works independently
• Ability to work both independently within a complex structured team.
• Able to exercise judgment within generally defined practices & policies to determine appropriate action
• Administer standardized assessments and interventions according to established study protocols

Department Statement

Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation is distinguished as a model for excellence and inspiration in nursing and interprofessional practice, education and research to advance knowledge and innovative practice models, and new solutions to optimize the health and well-being of our diverse local, national and global communities.

The purpose of the research project for which this position is posted focuses on identifying effective behavior change strategies to increase physical activity among insufficiently active adults at-risk for mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and other types of dementia.

This position is grant funded with funding expected through 2027.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU PD at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Fingerprint Check Statement

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.