Research Assistant - Internal Medicine (Physical Activity and Weight Management)

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Kansas City, KANSAS
Job Type: FullTime

Department:
SOM KC Internal Medicine - Weight Management

-----

KU Weight Management
Position Title:
Research Assistant - Internal Medicine (Physical Activity and Weight Management)
Job Family Group:
Professional Staff
Job Description Summary:
We are seeking a Research Assistant with a passion for health and wellness. The ideal candidate will be adept at both one-on-one and group-based health education or exercise and has experience working with diverse populations. This individual will play a crucial role in assisting with the implementation and evaluation of weight management interventions, conducted both in-person and remotely. Candidates with a background in exercise science, public health, nutrition, psychology, or a related field may be best suited for this position.
Research Assistants within the division support all stages of implementing and executing studies and projects, participate in data collection, and outcome testing in a variety of physical activity, nutrition and weight management interventions. This position may grow as warranted with opportunities to build and enhance skills, duties, and responsibilities.
About The Division of Physical Activity and Weight Management:
The Division of Physical Activity and Weight Management at KUMC is dedicated to conducting high-quality research to help understand, prevent, and treat obesity and related diseases. The Division has successfully maintained continuous funding for 26 years to support clinical trials from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a variety of industry partners, and private foundation grants. We believe in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach to research and strive to create a supportive, enriching environment for all team members. We conduct studies aimed at understanding, preventing, and treating obesity and related conditions in a variety of populations and health conditions.
Job Description:

Employment Conditions:

  • Work multiple locations within Kansas City and Lawrence.

  • Work some evenings depending on study roles and responsibilities.

  • Valid Driver’s License up hire and throughout duration of employment.

Required Qualifications:

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Public Health, Nutrition, Psychology, or related field.

Work Experience:

  • Experience working with diverse populations including those with intellectual or physical disabilities. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:  Graduate degree preferred.

Work Experience:

  • Previous experience working in a clinical or research setting, preferably related to weight management.

  • Experience with diverse populations, including those with intellectual or physical disabilities. 

  • Knowledge of ethical guidelines related to research involving human subjects.

  • Experience with data entry.

  • Additional professional certifications in exercise or health education.

Skills:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Organizational skills.

  • Attention to detail.

Job Duties:

  • Assist in the execution and evaluation of a variety of physical activity, nutrition and weight management interventions in diverse groups of populations including those with Down syndrome, Autism, and mobility related disabilities.

  • Act as a health educator and/or exercise specialist, providing one-on-one and group-based education sessions for participants in intervention studies.

  • Collaborate with research team members, including faculty investigators, to maintain compliance with each study protocol.

  • Assist with the recruitment, enrollment, and retention of study participants.

  • Documentation and data entry of participant progress and maintaining accurate and detailed records in compliance with ethical guidelines and university policies.

  • Work together with other team members to manage day-to-day study activities and support outcome testing including, anthropometrics and other data related to diet, physical activity, behavior change and body composition.

  • Perform other duties as assigned by Director for special projects and further development of The Division for Physical Activity and Weight Management.

Required Documents:

  • Cover letter/resume

  • Contact information for three references.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:


Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan. Employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance plans are available. Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus nine paid holidays. One paid discretionary day is available after six months of employment, and paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months of employment. A retirement program with a generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b) are available. https://www.kumc.edu/human-resources/benefits.html


Employee Type:
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Rate Type:
Hourly

Compensation Statement:

The pay range listed for this position is determined by our compensation program using market data and salary benchmarking. A combination of factors is considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, education, experience and training, qualifications relative to the requirements of the position, and funding. At the University of Kansas Medical Center, a reasonable estimate for the starting pay range will be the minimum to midpoint of the posted range, taking into account the combination of factors listed above. 


Pay Range:
$22.66 - $32.85

Minimum

$22.66

Midpoint

$27.75

Maximum

$32.85