Job Description

Position Overview

This is a part-time, temporary position to assist with the inclusion of Portuguese-speaking research participants in a study funded by an MIDB Seed Grant from September 2024 through September 2026. Exact hours will fluctuate depending on project needs, but the assistant can expect to work about 5 hours per week. The work will be primarily remote with availability for occasional in-person meetings at the MIDB appreciated. Graduate students are not eligible for this position. Undergraduate students and professionals with an interest in research, particularly qualitative methodologies, are encouraged to apply.

The UBE2A Research Community Partnership Study is a mixed method, community-based study on the rare and newly-identified UBE2A deficiency syndrome. This is a two-part research study beginning with virtual interviews and focus groups followed by surveys and questionnaires. In partnership with the online support group UBE2A Deficiency Syndrome â“ Parent Connection, we aim to 1. Identify the behavioral and health concerns most commonly reported by caregivers of individuals with UBE2A syndrome, 2. Describe the perspectives of caregivers regarding the types of treatments they desire for their family members, and 3. Describe other research priority areas as identified by caregivers.

UBE2A syndrome was first identified in 2006 by geneticists in Brazil. As such, there is a proportion of members of the online support group who speak a primary language of Portuguese. The Portuguese Speaking Assistant will be responsible for coordinating the inclusion of these families in the research study at all stages of the research process.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $20-25/hour. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Job Responsibilities

Translation (20%)

• Translate existing research materials into Portuguese, including recruitment flyers, consent forms, and interview protocols.
• In the second stage of the study, translate surveys into Portuguese.

Recruitment (10%)

• Coordinate with the community partner to recruit, consent, and schedule Portuguese-speaking research participants.

Data Collection (30%)

• Conduct virtual interviews and focus groups with Portuguese-speaking research participants.
• In the second stage of the study, disseminate virtual surveys and questionnaires to Portuguese-speaking research participants.

Data Analysis (30%)

• Clean transcripts from Portuguese interviews or focus groups.
• Conduct a thematic analysis of the transcripts in Portuguese (training provided).
• Collaborate with the English-language team to integrate Portuguese and English research results.

Dissemination (10%)

• Create Portuguese-language materials to disseminate research findings.

Required Qualifications

• Fluency in Portuguese.
• Experience and/or interest in empowering rare disease communities to guide research priorities.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.
• Comfortable working remotely.
• Interest in learning about the research process.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with conducting research, especially qualitative analysis.
• Experience with Trint, NVIVO, or REDCap softwares.
• Experience conducting interviews about sensitive topics, especially remotely.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

Connections working at University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Job Tags

Temporary work, Part time, Remote job, Flexible hours,

Similar Jobs