Research Field Collector, Flex - Part-Time Hybrid

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

About the Role

As a Research Field Data Collector, you will provide support for externally-funded research studies under direct supervision. You will contribute to research examining the experiences and outcomes of autistic individuals across adolescence and emerging adulthood within the General Pediatrics team. This part-time position requires up to 29 hours weekly, primarily during traditional daytime Monday–Friday business hours, with occasional evenings and weekends. Flexibility is key, as work can be performed remotely but may also require on-site presence at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and in community settings. Some travel will be eligible for mileage reimbursement.

Responsibilities

• Assist with participant recruitment, scheduling, follow-up communications, and retention activities while maintaining a professional and participant-centered experience.
• Schedule and conduct interviews, observations, assessments, and other data collection activities with autistic youth and adults and their supporters (parents and teachers).
• Facilitate the completion of electronic and paper surveys by providing guidance while ensuring protocol adherence.
• Maintain accurate participant records, tracking logs, study documentation, and files in accordance with study procedures.
• Enter, verify, clean, and review research data for accuracy, completeness, and consistency using established quality control procedures.
• Conduct all study activities according to approved research protocols, institutional policies, and participant confidentiality requirements.
• Prepare participant payments and associated documentation according to study procedures.
• Work effectively within a collaborative environment to ensure project success, communicating clearly with investigators, research staff, participants, and other stakeholders.
• Assist in ongoing study activities such as scoring checks, coding, data cleaning, report preparation, and other operational tasks necessary for successful study implementation.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED (bachelor’s degree preferred).
• 2–3 years of experience desired, though no prior experience is required.
• Background in research, strong customer service skills, and experience working with people with disabilities.
• Familiarity with REDCap and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook), Adobe Acrobat, and research databases.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize competing deadlines, and follow detailed research protocols with a high level of accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with comfort interacting with youth, adults, families, educators, and community partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.
• Relevant work or volunteer experience in research, customer service, human services, education, healthcare, social science, or a related field.

Skills

• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Experience with research data collection, interviews, observations, or survey administration.
• Familiarity with special education, transitions services, or adult disability services.

Benefits

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

Schedule

Part-time position working up to 29 hours weekly, primarily during traditional daytime Monday–Friday business hours, with occasional evenings and weekends as required by the study.