Field Research Specialist, Firefighter Health Studies
Posted Updated
Description
Field Data Collection and Participant Recruitment: Travel frequently to research sites within Arizona and throughout United States to support study recruitment and data collection. Recruit, screen, and enroll firefighter participants. Conduct informed consent per protocol and delegated authority. Administer participant surveys and questionnaires. Resolve routine participant questions and escalate protocol issues to study leadership. Collect biological specimens (e.g., urine, blood) per protocol and applicable training or certification requirements. Distribute, track, and retrieve exposure assessment equipment (e.g., silicone wristbands, other sampling devices). Make on-site adjustments to collection sequencing and logistics in response to fire department operations and changing field conditions, while maintaining protocol compliance. Document enrollment, specimen collection, survey completion, and field activities accurately and contemporaneously. Conduct in-person and remote participant contact to support recruitment, follow-up, and retention. Maintain participant confidentiality and comply with human subjects research and data security requirements. Fieldwork Planning and Coordination: Coordinate logistics for assigned field collection events in collaboration with research staff, fire service partners, and participating agencies. This includes schedules, supplies, equipment, shipping, and travel. Serve as a point of contact for fire department liaisons on scheduling and logistical matters for assigned events. Prepare, inventory, and track field supplies and equipment, and identify needs for upcoming deployments. Communicate collection progress, issues, and protocol deviations to the research team, and recommend solutions for recurring field problems. Sample Handling and Shipping: Label, process, and store biological specimens per established protocols. Maintain chain-of-custody records and specimen documentation from collection through receipt by the laboratory. Monitor and maintain specimen temperature control during field collection, storage, and transport. Package and ship biological specimens to collaborating laboratories in compliance with institutional, carrier, and hazardous materials shipping requirements. Laboratory and Research Support: Perform laboratory processing, organization, and storage of biological specimens as assigned. Enter, review, and maintain study data in REDCap and other study databases. Conduct quality control reviews of field documentation and study data. Identify and resolve missing or inconsistent information. Prepare materials and supplies for upcoming field activities. Participate in research team meetings, and contribute field-based input to procedures and study materials. Perform other related research duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge and previous experience conducting human subjects research, particularly participant-facing or field-based research. Knowledge of and experience with REDCap. Knowledge of or experience in the safe shipment of biological specimens. Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks in dynamic field environments.