Population Health Research Data Collection Assistant

**Job Purpose**
The postholder(s) will join the research data collection team supporting researchers based at the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Unit’s Population Health Research Facility (PHRF). This team specialises in supporting the delivery of population and community-based research projects.
The key area of responsibility will be supporting data collection activities in community-based health related studies using varied data collection tools. Tasks include taking informed consent, distributing, and verifying self-complete questionnaires; collecting other personal data, taking, and recording physical measures (e*.g. weight and height*), tissue/fluid samples and study associated administration. Data collection will be completed in a variety of community locations (_e.g. participant homes, schools, prisons, sports stadia_) and can often be located outside the Central Belt, so postholders should be prepared for travel across Scotland and out with normal office hours, including overnight stays.
This specific data collection role will require staff to travel within the immediate Glasgow area, working in small teams, and collecting data on mobile/tablet devices from people within their own homes. Additional equipment administration may also be required. Staff will be responsible for logging and maintaining updates on their location and status and may need to work evening and weekends.

**Main Duties and Responsibilities**3. **Health & Safety**: Evaluate situations during fieldwork: using initiative, judgement and experience to assess any risks to yourself, colleagues or participants and follow Unit protocols in handling these. During data collection the post holder should assess participants ability to complete project related assessments and adapt as necessary (e.g. taking breaks, stopping data collection). Ensure own personal/team safety and ensure that any incidents are recorded in line with project protocols. Adhere to the University health and safety risk assessment training and ensure full use of the Lone Worker Safety system where appropriate.
4. **Project Planning**: Prioritise, plan and schedule delegated activities from the PHRF Management team or Data Collection Leads to ensure delivery of the project within required standards. Ensure that all study protocols and research governance guidelines are adhered to at all times including safeguarding and adverse event protocols.
5. **Administration**: Deliver range of administrative tasks including conducting risk assessments, complete online expense forms and timesheets and voucher management. Complete project data collection and monitoring reports and support existing standard processes and maximise project continuity. To ensure that all monetary vouchers issued for fieldwork purposes are stored and processed securely for audit compliance.
6. **Development**: Attend regular briefings, training and feedback sessions for each project to ensure up-to-date knowledge of any changes to research processes and procedures. When required, coaching peers to ensure operational consistency across project sites.
7. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the PHRF Management Team.

**Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience**

**Knowledge/Qualifications**
Essential:

A1. Either: Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role.
Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 5 or 6 (National 5 or 6, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 2 or 3) or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role

**Skills**
Essential:

C1. Proficient understanding of confidentiality and how this should be applied and an understanding of the need to comply with research governance and study protocols.
C2. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to engage with others and explain complex concepts in an easily understandable manner.
C3. Good time management and organisational skills including proactive planning, prioritising tasks and working under pressure to meet project requirements and deadlines.
C4. Ability to work independently and flexibly within a multidisciplinary team on a range of complex tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
C5. Well-developed analytical and problem-solving capability, including using initiative and judgement to resolve challenges independently and awareness of when to respond directly and when to escalate.
C6. An interest in social science or public health research.
C7. Detailed knowledge of relevant systems, equipment, (Mobile, Tablet, Laptop), processes and procedures including software packages (Zoom, Microsoft Outlook, Teams etc) to undertake data collection effectively.
C8. Flexible approach to work including hours worked, start and finish times and may include some evenings and weekends.
Desirable:

D1. Experience of co