Bilingual Research Assistant 2

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) operates at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care. It is a community where expertise is valued, knowledge is expanded, and abilities are challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive, and uniqueness is sought and celebrated.

About the Role

Our research team is conducting multiple ongoing community-based randomized trials for childhood obesity prevention and treatment among low-income and minority populations. The Research Assistant II will support these studies by collecting data from participating patient-families, clinic partners, interventionists, and medical records. Responsibilities include assisting with recruitment, retention, and obtaining informed consent/assent. Data collection may occur in clinic-based, phone-based, or community-based settings. This dynamic role may also involve other laboratory and research functions as needed. A background or interest in community-based and behavioral research is essential, along with strong teamwork and flexibility.

This is a remote hybrid role requiring some on-site work and reliable transportation for travel within Middle Tennessee (mileage reimbursed). While the position primarily involves daytime hours Monday through Friday, flexibility is required for occasional evening and weekend work to meet families in the community. Bilingual proficiency or native fluency in Spanish is required.

Responsibilities

• Independently conduct high-quality qualitative and quantitative data collection across active studies.
• Lead participant recruitment, consent, and follow-up activities with minimal supervision.
• Build rapport with participants to support retention, engagement, and completion of study visits.
• Ensure accurate and complete documentation of study activities in accordance with protocol requirements.
• Identify and resolve routine participant and workflow challenges in real time.
• Serve as a lead member of the data collection team, coordinating day-to-day study activities.
• Assist with scheduling data collection and adjusting plans to meet enrollment and staffing needs.
• Provide guidance to other research assistants, troubleshoot issues, and maintain consistency.
• Demonstrate ownership of assigned study tasks, anticipating needs and proactively communicating challenges.
• Ensure readiness for data collection by confirming materials, schedules, and participant communication.
• Maintain high standards of data quality, reviewing collected data and addressing inconsistencies.
• Adhere to IRB-approved protocols, consent procedures, and study guidelines.
• Communicate clearly with supervisors and team members regarding study progress and challenges.
• Contribute to onboarding or mentoring newer research assistants as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience).
• 2 years of relevant experience.
• Bilingual proficiency or native fluency in Spanish.
• Reliable transportation for travel within Middle Tennessee.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Department Summary

The Department of Pediatrics at VUMC is one of the largest within the medical center, home to over 460 primary faculty, 270 community-based volunteer faculty, 82 clinical fellows, 127 residents, and 300+ administrative and research staff. The department is committed to excellence in research, education, and patient care, advancing the health of children in Middle Tennessee and beyond.

Benefits

This role offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include health, disability, retirement, and wellness offerings to support well-being and professional growth.