The Psycho-Oncology Research Program at Ponce Research Institute is seeking a highly motivated and community-oriented professional to join the Mental Health CPR: Transforming Cancer Survivors' Mental Health with Community-Based Participatory Reach for Equity (U01CA290613) project for the position of Research Technician.
This National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded research project aims to improve access to mental health services for cancer survivors through evidence-based, community-engaged interventions across the southern region of Puerto Rico. The selected candidate will provide technical and operational support for the implementation of community-based research activities.
To succeed in this position, the candidate must possess the following qualifications and competencies:
1) Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, Nursing, Biology, Health Sciences, or another health-related discipline for an accredited institution.
2) Experience in clinical research, public health, behavioral health, healthcare, or community-based programs is preferred.
3) Experience working with oncology populations, cancer survivors, or medically underserved communities is highly desirable.
4) Previous experience with participant recruitment, interviews, or questionnaire administration is preferred.
5) Experience in using Microsoft Office and electronic data collection systems (e.g., REDCap) is desirable.
6) Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
7) Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
8) Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.
9) Valid Puerto Rico driver's license and reliable transportation.
10) Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
11) Compassion and professionalism when interacting with study participants.
12) Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
13) Ability to manage multiple priorities.
14) Attention to detail.
15) Ability to maintain confidentiality.
16) Initiative and problem-solving skills.
17) Flexibility to work according to the project’s community implementation schedule, including occasional early morning, evening, or weekend activities when required.
18) Comfort and initiative in approaching potential participants, explaining project activities, and supporting recruitment and engagement efforts in community settings.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical and operational support for project implementation.
- Collaborate in hands-on mentoring and participant support activities within community settings.
- Actively participate in community-based recruitment and outreach efforts, including approaching and engaging potential participants, supporting enrollment, and conducting participant retention, follow-up, and communication activities with study participants and community partners.
- Actively participate in the organization and implementation of community forums, health fairs, educational workshops, recruitment events, and other project-related activities conducted in community settings.
- Administer questionnaires, pre/post assessments, and other research data collection procedures.
- Collect, process, and manage biological specimens according to established study protocols.
- Assist with qualitative and quantitative data management, documentation, and organization of study records.
- Prepare, organize, and distribute educational materials, study supplies, and other resources required for project activities.
- Perform additional technical and operational duties related to the implementation and development of the project as assigned.
Pay: From $12.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
