Field Research Specialist, Firefighter Health Studies

The University of Arizona is seeking a motivated and highly organized individual to support the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study. This position will primarily support field-based human subjects research and will involve frequent travel within Arizona and throughout the United States to conduct data collection with firefighter participants.

This position is well suited for someone who enjoys hands-on research, frequent travel, working directly with research participants and community partners, and contributing to a collaborative research team. Fieldwork is typically conducted as a team and may involve extended periods of travel together, making strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills essential. Data collection is often scheduled around fire department operations, work may occur outside of standard business hours and frequently requires overnight travel.

Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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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.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required.
• 3 year of relevant work experience may be required.
• A valid driver's license is required.

• Phlebotomy experience and certification is preferred.
• Completion of CITI Program Human Subjects Research training.
• Experience recruiting, consenting, or interacting with research participants.
• Experience collecting, processing, handling, or shipping biological specimens.
• Experience conducting field research or coordinating field data collection activities.
• Experience following research protocols and maintaining accurate participant and sample documentation.
• Experience independently coordinating research logistics or data collection events.