Research Associate

Heluna Health and the Orange County Tuberculosis (TB) Control Program, in partnership with Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health (RSPH) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), are recruiting a full-time Research Associate (100% FTE) to support an NIH-funded research study focused on infectiousness and social mixing among individuals with asymptomatic TB.

The Orange County TB Control Program provides testing, diagnosis, treatment, and case management services to individuals with active or suspected active TB disease. The Research Associate will join the team under the general oversight of the Orange County TB Program.

The Research Associate will collaborate with other staff members to support research on early-stage TB disease in children over 12 years of age and adults, including close contacts of TB cases, individuals undergoing evaluation for TB, and recent immigrants with suspected TB.

The Research Associate will lead recruitment of possible study participants and collection of data from the Orange County study site. Activities will include: identify eligible patients; obtain informed consent; conduct participant interviews; collect study samples; review and abstract information from medical records; enter data into the project database; provide input on and update study implementation and quality assurance plans; assess discordant information from various data sources/institutions; perform quality control checks of interview and abstracted data; identify barriers to successful implementation; help determine best approach to resolving issues; track study enrollment/refusal rates and progress towards meeting study objectives; maintain study logs, form and files; coordinate travel and other logistics; ensure clear communication with all collaborators; act as liaison between the Emory and CDPH research teams and the local clinic team; and perform other duties as needed. 

This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. 

Salary range is $28.82 to $36.25 per hour depending on experience/qualifications. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinate participant screening and recruitment activities, including review of medical records, collection of pre-screening eligibility information, maintenance of screening/enrollment logs, and communication of recruitment progress to study teams.


• Conduct informed consent discussions and complete study visits in participant’s preferred language, utilizing translation services when needed.


• Build and maintain positive relationships with participants throughout study participation to support high quality interview responses and sample collection.


• Review study records and perform quality control checks to ensure accurate and complete data collection, including results of routine clinical testing for TB.


• Collect and manage study specific biological specimens (e.g., blood, sputum, and face mask samples) in accordance with study protocols, biosafety requirements, and laboratory standards.


• Complete appropriate specimen collection forms and labeling in accordance with established laboratory procedures.


• Coordinate specimen tracking, storage, inventory management, shipment, and documentation with local and external laboratory partners.


• Maintain accurate laboratory records, including sample processing, shipment tracking, and test result reporting in study databases and laboratory information systems such as Electronic Test Orders and Results (ETOR). 


• Manage study data within REDCap, SharePoint/OneDrive, and other approved databases and cloud-based shared folders, including data entry, quality assurance, and data verification activities.


• Ensure appropriate participant compensation for study participation and completion of all required documents for tracking and compliance.


• Develop and maintain study workflows, protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other operational documents.


• Ensure compliance with study protocols, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures, biosafety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.


• Communicate regularly with investigators, study teams, laboratories, and external partners regarding study progress, laboratory results, operational challenges, and process improvements.


• Prepare study reports, financial expenditure reports, progress updates, and other project-related documentation as required.


• Assist with preparation of abstracts, presentations, manuscripts, grant-related reports, and study meetings.


• Perform other research, laboratory, data management, and project coordination duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Solid computer skills, including Outlook, Word and Excel; excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to interact effectively and sensitively with individuals of varying socio-cultural backgrounds, and to communicate effectively with personnel from local and state health departments; ability to work well independently with minimal supervision and to adhere to specified protocols for data collection; background or demonstrated interest in public health; driver’s license/access to own transportation needed for potential travel to Orange County Public Health Laboratory. Other workdays and times may vary depending on the needs of the patients. Note: Pre‑employment TB testing and N-95 mask fit testing will be required. Fingerprinting and background check will be required.

Education/Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in public health or related health science from an accredited university. 


• Minimum of two years of experience handling infectious agents in a clinical or public health laboratory setting.


• Experience working in clinical research, including interviewing individuals from diverse backgrounds and educational levels.


• Fluency (oral and written) in English and either Spanish, Vietnamese or Tagalog.

Preferred Qualifications

• Phlebotomy experience.  


• Master’s degree in public health. 

Certificates/Licenses

• Possession of a certification as phlebotomist or certificate of completion of the course requirements for venipuncture and skin puncture. 


• Valid California Driver's License. 

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint). 


• Experience with Cerner or other Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems.


• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing. 


• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings. 


• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand     Frequently

Walk     Frequently

Sit     Frequently

Handling / Fingering    Frequently

Reach Outward     Occasionally

Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally

Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs

Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs

See Constantly

Hear Frequently

Taste/ Smell Not Applicable

Not Applicable  Not required for essential functions

Occasionally      (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently    (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly    (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

General office and clinic setting, indoors/outdoors, with required respiratory protection, including annual N-95 mask fit testing.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.