"Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator (ACRC) - Adult Spine Orthopaedic Research Program - Dr. Grace Xiong"

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery boasts a prominent national and international presence in orthopaedic research, representing a wide range of subspecialties within the field. This research encompasses treatments for musculoskeletal issues in patients spanning from infants to older individuals. The overarching goal of the Orthopaedic Research Program is to cultivate foundational knowledge that propels the advancement of musculoskeletal injury and disease treatments. 

To further this mission, the Adult Spine Orthopaedic Research Program is seeking an Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator (ACRC) to support the research studies within the Spine division for the academic year with Dr. Grace Xiong. This position is expected to engage in all facets of research, including study recruitment and enrollment, grant writing, abstract/manuscript writing, and designing and implementing their own projects under faculty mentorship. Medical students or individuals taking a gap year with an interest in Orthopaedics research are encouraged to apply, particularly those with an interest in spinal surgery, translational research, and artificial intelligence. Availability is limited, and terms typically begin and end each summer, lasting approximately 18 months.

Duties include:

• Schedule and/or call subjects for appointments; contact participants with reminders or other requirements.
• Prepare, distribute, and process questionnaires.
• Perform clerical duties in the preparation of regulatory documents. Maintain all forms and documents, including consent forms and master subject logs. File all appropriate correspondence.
• Assist with the screening, recruiting, and obtaining consent of study participants. Review medical records and/or perform telephone or in-person interviews to gather data, as needed.
• Administer standard study questionnaires and tests, score test measurements and questionnaires, and code data for computer entry. Perform quantitative review of forms, tests, and other measurements for completeness and accuracy.
• Extract data from source documents for research studies as directed. Collect data and complete case report forms.
• Perform basic measurements and tests on patients according to protocol after appropriate training/certification. Collect study specimens according to protocol.
• Prepare, process, and ship specimens/samples accurately under well-defined requirements.
• Order and maintain equipment and supplies.
• Process study compensation payments and thank you letters to subjects upon completion of trial activities. Assist with post-study activities, as needed.
• Conduct literature searches/reviews for faculty for study design and hypothesis generating before initiating IRB protocol; work with PI to prioritize projects. Assist in abstract write up, manuscript drafting, and grant preparation and submission.

Other duties may also be assigned.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Interest in Orthopaedic research.
• Ability to work fast and efficiently within time constraints.
• Ability to work independently and comfortably with study participants.
• Prior data entry and management experience.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

Two year college degree and one year of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

General knowledge of medical terminology.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:

Working toward certification(s) to perform basic patient measurements and tests, such as phlebotomy and EKG.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat and use fine light/fine grasping.
• Occasionally sit, reach above shoulders, perform desk based computer tasks, use a telephone and write by hand, lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds.
• Rarely kneel, crawl, climb ladders, grasp forcefully, sort and file paperwork or parts, rarely lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh 40 pounds or more.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or exposure to chemicals, blood, body fluid or tissues and risk of exposure to contagious diseases and infections.
• May require extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements and business needs.

The expected pay range for this position is $29.44 to $33.26 per hour.