OPS - Community Scientist

Classification Title:

OPS - Community Scientist

Classification Minimum Requirements:

• Able to speak, read, and understand English
• At least 21 years of age or older
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends

Job Description:

Need for Community Scientists to Work As Needed in the UF Health Cancer Institute Community-Partnered Cancer Disparities Research Collaborative (CDRC)

Dr. Carolyn M. Tucker directs and serves as the Principal Investigator for the CDRC. This collaborative consists of 13 churches and their pastors, community and faculty researchers, cancer survivors, undergraduate student interns in a Health Disparities and Health Promotion Research Internship, and health disparities and health promotion research staff. These groups work together to conduct community-based participatory research that will lead to interventions and large grants, with the aim of promoting cancer prevention, treatment and survivorship.

The CDRC targets cancer survivors and people at risk for cancer who live in low-income communities in or near East Gainesville, or in rural and/or low-income communities in Alachua County. The CDRC’s goal is to reduce cancer incidence, cancer deaths and cancer disparities that have a disproportionately negative impact on Black, Hispanic and other minoritized groups. The CDRC is supported and funded by the NCI-designated UF Health Cancer Institute.

Position Summary: Community Scientists engage with diverse communities to support recruitment of community members to serve as participants in health disparities- and cancer-related research studies conducted or supported by the CDRC. The ideal candidate is outgoing, articulate, creative, and comfortable initiating conversations with individuals they may not know. This role requires explaining research studies, answering questions, and helping eligible community members understand the benefits of participating in research. 

Community Scientists collect data from research participants, including height and weight, and are trained to obtain informed consent from participants. Candidates will complete IRB certification training, in addition to other job training. It would be useful for candidates to have connections within the Gainesville community, such as connections with local churches and community organizations. Although some meetings are virtual, Community Scientists should be able to attend in-person meetings, training sessions, and community events as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

Research and Study Involvement:

• Participant Recruitment and Consent: Recruit participants for health promotion and cancer prevention related research studies, and collaborate with CDRC partner churches
• Consent and Screening: Screen potential participants and obtain informed consent from participants involved in CDRC-led research studies
• Data Collection: Collect both baseline and post-intervention data from research participants in accordance with study protocols, including participant height and weight
• Incentive Distribution: Distribute gift cards to participants after completion of designated study activities
• Focus Group Facilitation: Conduct focus groups with select participants to gather qualitative data on group participants when applicable

Meetings and Training:

• Meetings: Attend monthly CDRC planning meetings and virtual weekly Community Scientist meetings to stay updated on study developments and needs
• Training: Participate in approximately four hours of training to learn research tasks, participant interaction protocols, and data collection procedures
• Events: Attend CDRC community engagement events throughout the year and distribute flyers at these events

Working Conditions and Expectations:

• Work Hours: Seasonal, project-based position with up to 15 hours per week based on participant availability and program needs. When no projects are active, no work hours will be available.
• Report To: Dr. Carolyn M. Tucker, Director of UF Health Cancer Institute Community-Partnered Cancer Disparities Research Collaborative and Ms. Miles Hamilton, CDRC Program Manager

Expected Salary:

$16 per hour

Required Qualifications:

• Able to speak, read, and understand English
• At least 21 years of age or older
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends

Preferred:

• Community-based research experience or interest in conducting health-related research
• Ability to communicate effectively with community members from diverse backgrounds
• Familiarity with the health concerns and needs of underserved communities
• Passion for reducing cancer disparities and improving community health
• Established connections within diverse Gainesville and Alachua County communities
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity
• Learns quickly
• Has a high school diploma or GED

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

This is a time-limited position. 

Health Assessment Required:No