Clinical Research Assistant

The University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine is seeking a Clinical Research Assistant to work in the Movement and Memory Disorders Center, a division of Neurology. The Movement and Memory Disorders Center is a full-service diagnostic and treatment center for Parkinson's disease and related disorders and includes the University of Maryland Alzheimer's Disease and Neurodegenerative Disorders Program. This program focuses on Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Department of Neurology provides evaluation, treatment, and care for patients suffering from a wide range of neurological disorders including stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and migraine. A number of departmental faculty received grant funding from the National Institutes of Health and the Veteran's Administration to study the role of genetics in stroke, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease, new brain imaging modalities in multiple sclerosis, biomarkers in multiple sclerosis, and neuro developmental disorders such a autism and intellectual disability. Many faculty are lead investigators in clinical trials to identify new therapeutic approaches for a broad range of neurological disorders.

The Clinical Research Assistant will work within the Movement Disorders Center which is a full-service diagnostic and treatment center for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders including tremor, dystonia, chorea, and tics as well as memory and gait disorders.

This position is responsible for performing research of a clinical nature and is responsible for providing the highest technical expertise to research programs, studies and/or projects and overseeing clinical research activities.

This is a full time contractual position.

Benefits: Contingent Category II

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. Contingent Category II staff receive a generous leave package that includes over 2 weeks of vacation each year, paid holidays, sick time, and time for community service; subsidized comprehensive health insurance and supplemental retirement options; professional learning and development programs; limited tuition remission for employees enrolled at UMB; life insurance and long-term disability; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

Essential Functions - Clinical Research Assistant:

• Perform data collection by conducting research interviews. Recruit and screen subjects for research studies. Collect baseline and follow-up data from subjects including verification of eligibility; obtaining consent and enrollment; and assuring accurate demographic information for follow-up. Check validity and accuracy of data ensuring compliance with quality control requirements and clinical relevance.
• Establish and maintain database files and reports on progress of programs, studies, and/or projects. May perform data analysis and interpretation.
• Perform blood draws on subjects for research sample collection and storage.
• Assist in developing and recommending policies and procedures and/or methods for clinical research activities.
• Conduct library research and contribute to the preparation and writing of research findings for publication of journal articles and grant proposals.
• May perform administrative duties such as: providing training and guidance to new research staff; assisting in developing and submitting grants, papers, abstracts, manuscripts and presenting studies; developing protocol manuals and data collection instruments; preparing clinic schedules and physician packets; performing data entry and verification; packing and shipping biospecimens; responding to requests and questions from individuals, institutions, government agencies, and funding agencies; assist with planning and coordination of the annual patient symposium, participating in the design of research studies and attending research meetings. May provide training and guidance to students and other clinical staff.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor's degree in epidemiology, sociology, psychology, nursing or field of study related to the research of the clinic.

Experience: At least one year of clinical research experience and completion of human subject research protections training is desired.

Other: Certification as a clinical research professional is a plus. Consideration may be given for a unique combination of education and experience.*

May require training related to occupational safety and health, environmental compliance, shipping of hazardous materials and/or ionizing radiation.

*Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field with at least 18 credits in a field related to the research of the clinic or laboratory, as appropriate, or Bachelor's degree in unrelated field with at least one year of experience in a field directly related to the research of the clinic or laboratory, as appropriate. Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to understand and utilize scientific/medical terminology and research theory in both oral and written communications.
• Skill in various interviewing techniques.
• Ability to use measurable and verifiable information for making decisions or judgements.
• Skill in statistical interpretation and data analysis using statistical software as well as spreadsheet and database software applications.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with professionalism and compassion when interacting with patients and their families.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of subjects and information obtained.
• Ability to network with and provide information to key groups and individuals.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to use a consultative approach to resolve issues in area of responsibility.

Salary Range: $46,000-$50,000; Commensurate with education and experience