Research Assistant (Medical Oncology)

Research Assistant

This position will assist in the collection, validation, and entry of data using established tools, technology, and databases for the designated research department. The Research Assistant will perform administrative functions in order to support the accomplishment of the research/project objectives for a variety of clinical trials and/or studies. The major purpose of this position is to provide support to the clinical trials coordinator(s) of all assigned clinical trials and studies in which the department is participating.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Certification, and/or Licensure:

1. Bachelor's Degree.

Experience:

1. One year of experience in research, administrative, or clinical support.

Preferred Qualifications

Education, Certification, and/or Licensure:

1. Obtain certification as a Research Professional through the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA) OR the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) with three years of hire date preferred.

Experience:

1. One year of experience in healthcare.

2. Two years of experience in research, administrative, or clinical support.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Assists in study enrollment and specimen collection as needed.

2. Assists with data collection and checking data completeness.

3. Assists with follow-up mailings and phone calls to ensure the Follow-Up Protocol is utilized.

4. Assists in reviewing the data collection forms for completeness and reconciling missing data for data entry.

5. Enters research/project data into databases, ensuring data accuracy, and timeliness of data entry.

6. Produces documents accurately and in a timely manner, corrected for content and grammar according to project timeline.

7. Demonstrates the ability to obtain patient information from computer applications in an accurate and timely manner.

8. Utilizes computer software and Internet access to assist the research team in planning, scheduling, and conducting meetings, presentations, and conferences.

9. Utilizes computer software and Internet access to assist the research team in preparing abstracts and manuscripts.

10. Maintains well organized files for reference in the work of the project.

11. Clearly and consistently communicates status of projects to research team members.

12. Demonstrates the ability to raise questions and seek additional information as necessary to complete job responsibilities.

13. Familiarize and become highly knowledgeable with all study/clinical trials protocols currently assigned to the department.

14. Participates in a variety of complex activities involved in the collection, compilation, documentation and analysis of clinical research data.

15. Performs filing and data entry as needed to keep all research records and regulatory files up to date.

16. Work collaboratively with investigators and study coordinators for study-specific training and communication related to possible or already accrued study participants.

17. Independently participates in activities to increase knowledge base and performance.

19. Ensures compliance with WVU Institutional Review Board, Good Clinical Practice guidelines and federal regulations related to clinical research.

20. Maintains timely, study-specific documentation that reflects an accurate, complete, and legible record of study activities.

21. Associated clerical duties as assigned and necessary for each study/trial assigned.

22. Attendance of all appropriate training seminars as required by study/trial agency.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Requires manual dexterity used in operating office equipment.

2. Requires standing and bending in the assessment and treatment of patients.

3. Prolonged periods of sitting and the ability to walk moderate distances.

4. Some manual work may be included; occasional heavy lifting (patient assistance) and the ability to move equipment.

Working Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Normal, clinical environment. There is patient contact and potential to come in contact with patients having communicable disease (URI, HIV, Hepatitis B, TB, usual childhood diseases, etc.) The presence of blood and specimen care and processing is a routine part of this environment.

Skills and Abilities

1. Prior clinical research and trial experience desired.

2. Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

3. High degree of computer literacy, MS Office products.

4. Planning skills in scheduling of patients, physicians, site visitors and facility usage are critical. Analysis of protocols, feasibility of studies based on patient populations, financial considerations, facility capabilities, technical support and other support systems is imperative.

5. Ability to work independently.

6. Analytical skills include the technical aspects of gathering data for purposes of study-related activities.

7. Careful attention to detail.

8. Excellent organization skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks.