The Merten Research Lab, under the direction of Dr. Natascha Merten, Assistant Professor in the Department of Population Health Sciences and in the Department of Medicine (Geriatrics & Gerontology), and the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, is looking to hire a Health Study Technician for a new federally funded epidemiological study: The Beaver Dam Offspring Study-Neurocognitive Aging Study (BOSS-NCAS). The BOSS-NCAS is an 18-year follow-up study in the longitudinal Beaver Dam Offspring Study cohort. In this study, the Merten Lab aims to understand how sensory and cognitive decline co-occur in the process of aging and aims to determine risk factors and early markers for neurodegeneration and brain aging.
The Health Study Technician will be engaged in and contribute to exciting research by collecting high-quality data to support the innovative research on blood-based measures on physiological aging and neurodegeneration as well as clinically relevant research on potentially modifiable risk factors for hearing loss, vision loss, loss of smell and cognitive impairment and dementia.
An ideal candidate will have a strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills and experience following standard operating procedures. Candidates should enjoy engaging with a variety of people and be comfortable working collaboratively as well as individually.
The Health Study Technician will perform sensory (hearing, vision, and olfaction), and cognitive assessments, obtain anthropometric and blood pressure measures and contribute to data collection of research study participants, medical history and other lifestyle, behavioral and demographic information in accordance with study research protocols. Training and certification in all study protocols, phlebotomy, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) will be provided.
The Health Study Technician will be responsible for collecting, tracking, processing, and shipping participant blood samples as needed. The Health Study Technicians will provide information to participants and answer any questions regarding the study. They will collaborate closely with research study staff and perform and participate in quality assurance activities. They will be responsible for maintaining study equipment and supplies on site.
Employees in this academic staff position will receive University of Wisconsin benefits, such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave, competitive insurances, savings accounts, and retirement benefits.
Most study appointments are scheduled during normal business hours Monday - Friday. To increase the availability of study appointments for our participants, the Health Study Technician can expect to work on approximately one Saturday a month and during early evening hours one day per week . Study appointment and work schedules will be set in advance. The primary work site will be the study offices in Beaver Dam, WI. Training and data review meetings will take place once a month in Madison, WI. A two week-long satellite clinic will be hosted in Minnesota, which will require out-of-state travel for which transportation, lodging, and meals will be provided.
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Preferred
Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare, Biological Science, or Social Science or closely related field
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in human subject research, biomedical research, clinical research or related field with human subjects or patients
- Experience in research data collection
- Experience conducting face-to-face and/or telephone interviews
- Experience working with instrumentation, laboratory or clinical (such as audiometers, ocular imaging)
- Computer proficiency
- Previous phlebotomy or laboratory experience
Qualified applicants will have the following skills and abilities:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work with clinical and/or research instrumentation (such as audiometers, ocular imaging)
- Ability to communicate health-related information clearly and effectively
- Excellent attention-to-detail including the ability to follow protocols carefully and consistently
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to work both collaboratively and independently
- Work experience that demonstrates dependability, flexibility, and maturity
- Willing to be trained in phlebotomy and blood processing
Required
Drivers License - Valid and Meets UW Risk Management Standards
Travel is required. Must provide own transportation or a valid driver's license and eligibility for Car Fleet usage is necessary.
Full Time: 100%
It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.
Terminal, 18 month appointment.
This position has the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding
Minimum $41,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
This position is eligible for a hiring bonus in the amount of $1,000. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation,
holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits.
Benefits information can be found at (). SMPH Academic Staff
Benefits flyer: ()
There is a possibility this position can be extended or become renewable if there is a need for an ongoing appointment.
This position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations. The selected candidate will be required to pass an initial caregiver check to be eligible for employment under the Wisconsin Caregiver Law and every four years.
The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.
Travel is required. Must provide a valid driver's license. Employees may use their own transportation or receive approval for University Car Fleet usage. Employment is conditional pending the results of a Pre-hire Driver Authorization Check. See
(click on Become an authorized driver, then click on Required criteria).
To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply Now" button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV and a cover letter briefly describing your qualifications and experience. You will also be asked to provide contact information for three (3) references, including your current/most recent supervisor during the application process. References will not be contacted without prior notice.
Contact:Brittany Brown
608-265-2978
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See for further information.
Clin Res Coord I(RE015)
Department(s):A53-MEDICAL SCHOOL/POP HEALTH SCI/POP HLTH
Employment Class:Academic Staff-Terminal
Job Number:296429-AS
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.