Research Associate

The College of Health and Human Performance provides instruction, conducts research, and performs service in health education and promotion, kinesiology, human development and family science, social work, interior design and merchandising, and recreation sciences and sport management. The mission of the College of Health and Human Performance is to improve health, well-being, and quality of life. The primary focus of the college is to advance and disseminate knowledge concerning maintenance and enhancement of health and quality of life.

The primary duties of this position will involve research and service programs in the Human Performance Laboratory ( HPL).

In relation to research, the HPL is currently the site for an ongoing NIH-sponsored project entitled "Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium" (MoTrPAC). The project is quite complex, and this Research Associate position involves planning and directing the project in relation to the exercise testing and exercise training. Independent decision making is required for virtually all the areas the research associate is involved with, for example, determining when to appropriately change exercise workloads according to the Manual of Operations ( MOP), when a potential participant should be screened for participation, and overseeing and directing the graduate students involved with the study. The Research Associate will interact closely with the physician overseeing the project concerning participant screening and participation. The project takes place at several ECU sites (Ward Sports Medicine, FITT Bldg, ECDOI) and independent thinking is required when planning and scheduling the participants and student workers for involvement. Other duties include: recruit, interview, and screen potential participants for physiological testing and collaborate with clinicians in participant recruitment; conduct physiological testing for aerobic capacity (maximal stress tests); conduct physiological testing for body composition; conduct physiological testing for insulin action; perform biochemical assays in muscle and blood; supervise graduate students in the Human Performance Lab for physiological and testing biochemical methods; statistically analyze data obtained from the above procedures; test and maintain laboratory instruments.

In relation to service, the HPL has a long-standing service program, The Cardiovascular Health Assessment Program, which provides exercise screening to primarily first responders (fire and police departments). The Research Associate will ensure that this program interacts smoothly with MoTrPAC and that there are no time/equipment conflicts. The Research Associate will also oversee the physiological testing involved with the first responders, primarily the exercise stress test, and supervise students on how to conduct the tests. The individual will also interact with the on-sight physician or PA concerning the health status of the first responder.

Leading Research Project and Service Program - 80%

This position is responsible for managing and leading study activities including recruitment, interviews, and screening for physiological testing. Physiological testing will include leading testing programs for aerobic capacity (maximal stress tests), body composition, and insulin action. The position will perform biochemical assays in muscle and blood. The position will also lead coordination of research and service efforts in the Human Performance Laboratory. This position will mentor, assign, and monitor the work being performed by Graduate students on this project.

Data Integrity and Interpretation - 20%

This position is responsible for the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of certain phases of the assigned project(s) with limited supervision from the principal investigators and HPL Director. The Research Associate will be responsible for ensuring that the studies are conducted in accordance with study protocols and will oversees and lead collection methods with considerable independence. A basic knowledge of research principles, study design, and methods of data collection and analysis are required. The position will monitor data and assess its integrity as well as perform basic statistical analyses, including. interpreting results. These duties are present in both the research and service components of the position.

Contingent upon availability of funds.

Relevant Master's degree; or relevant BS/BA with three years of relevant work experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

None

Proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

High organizational skills.

Experience in coordinating research studies.

Experience in recruitment activities for research studies and consenting research participants.

Experience in body compositional testing, exercise testing, blood pressure, and blood processing.

Experience in reading EKGs at rest and during exercise.

Experience in record keeping and study documentation.

Completion of human research protections training.

East Carolina University requires applicants to submit a candidate profile online in order to be considered for the position. Candidates must also submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references, including contact information, online.

At the time of employment two to three original letters of reference, official transcripts, a criminal background check, and proper documentation of identity and employability are required. Please be aware that if selected for an interview, an automatic e-mail will be sent to the individuals entered by the applicant in the References section of the PeopleAdmin applicant tracking system. Letters of reference submitted via the PeopleAdmin applicant tracking system will be verified and considered towards meeting this requirement.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full time basis.

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.

East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act ( ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/ TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.