Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will carry out and lead complex activities of a grant funded oral health study to reduce oral health disparities in older adults. The research assistant will coordinate research activities and assist the research team with all aspects of study participant and site recruitment, retention, and data collection/management.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Coordinate and carry out all research activities including devising new procedures and techniques for scheduling, tracking and completing study activities in preparation for and during the clinical trial. These activities include subject recruitment, collection of qualitative and quantitative study data, and data analysis. (35%)
Work closely with the principal investigator, research operations manager and research associate to devise, implement and ensure compliance with study protocols. Devise new protocols and techniques for scheduling, tracking, collecting data and completing subject visits as per the newly developed study protocols. (15%)
Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature to evaluate adequacy of techniques to collect data. Study and test new procedures for entry of participant responses into the database, audit entered data and perform quality control to ensure that data is entered completely and correctly. Oversee analysis of recruitment data to ensure compliance with inclusion/exclusion criteria and study protocol. (15%)
Communicate with assigned study site staff to resolve issues and communicate daily schedules and subject recruitment and study visit logistics. (10%)
Build and establish relationships with participants, MetroHealth Medical Center providers and medical staff, and senior housing personnel to ensure successful completion of study objectives. (6%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS
Develop training materials and train new staff or students. (5%)
Co-author, develop and maintain the protocol, manual of procedures (MOP), training manuals and regulatory documents for the study. (5%)
Develop and compile summary data for weekly project meetings, progress reports, IRB submissions, presentations and manuscript submissions. (5%)
May monitor the laboratory budget (<1%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (4%)
CONTACTS
Department: Continuous interaction with research assistants and the principal investigator. Monthly interaction with department administrative staff to exchange information.
University: Occasional interaction with co-investigators to exchange information.
External: Daily contact with older adult participants for study visit completion, and through phone contact for retention purposes. Weekly contact with MetroHealth Medical Center personnel and senior housing staff for recruitment purposes and study visit completion.
Students: Occasional interaction with student workers to exchange information.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No direct supervisory responsibility.
QUALIFICAITONS
Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience is required. Previous experience working with older adults is preferred.
Education: Bachelor's degree in clinical science, social science, epidemiology or related field required. Master's degree preferred.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Considerable knowledge and understanding of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures within the field of clinical research.
Exceptional interviewing skills: ability to work with sensitive patient information and maintain confidentiality. Must demonstrate an understanding of human subject protections and diligently seek to promote such protections and follow all human subject regulations.
Ability to effectively interact with older adults. Must demonstrate patience, flexibility, compassion and cultural sensitivity while interacting with participant families.
Excellent organizational skills. Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through.
Excellent communication skills. Must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals from different disciplines, technical and educational backgrounds.
Effective problem-solving skills. Must demonstrate sound Judgement and good decision-making and be able to flexibly work to conform to shifting priorities and demands and high-pressure situations.
Excellent leadership skills. Must be able to oversee people, multiple ongoing project activities and appropriately provide feedback to others when needed.
Ability to follow directions and standardized protocols and demonstrate diligence and dependability. Must demonstrate ability to receive and accept feedback from supervisors, put feedback into practice, and work both independently and cooperatively.
Valid Ohio driver's license required.
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Employee will be required to drive to MetroHealth Medical Center clinical sites and senior housing locations to collect research data. A valid Ohio driver¿s license and reliable transportation is required. The research assistant will work in a general office environment for other research activities.
Requirements
QUALIFICAITONS
Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience is required. Previous experience working with older adults is preferred.
Education: Bachelor's degree in clinical science, social science, epidemiology or related field required. Master's degree preferred.
