Clinical Research Coordinator I- School of Medicine, Medical Oncology

Description

About the Lab

The laboratory of Dr. Jacob Berchuck at the Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute is looking for a Clinical Research Coordinator to join our team.

Bridging the realms of clinical oncology and laboratory science, the Berchuck Lab employs a "bedside-to-bench-to-bedside" research model. We collect blood samples from patients, apply cutting-edge research tools to study the biology of their cancers, and translate our discoveries into clinical practice.

Our research focuses on "liquid biopsies." Cancer cells shed tiny fragments of DNA into the bloodstream, and a liquid biopsy is a blood test that detects and reads those fragments. Traditional biopsies require removing a piece of tumor, which is invasive and not always possible. A liquid biopsy needs only a simple blood draw, so it can be repeated over time to show how a cancer is changing and whether a treatment is working. We are working toward a future where a blood test can provide real-time insight to select the right treatment for the right patient at the right time.

Why This Role Matters

Every project in our lab begins with a patient who agrees to participate and a sample that is collected, processed, and documented correctly. The Clinical Research Coordinator is the link between the oncology clinic and the laboratory, and the quality of our science depends directly on the quality of this work. You will identify and consent patients, make sure the right samples reach the lab at the right time, and pair each specimen with accurate clinical data. That combination of well-annotated samples is what makes our biobank a valuable resource for the lab's research and for our collaborators.

Because the role spans both the clinic and the bench, it offers a rare opportunity to work directly with patients and physicians while also learning laboratory techniques. You will work directly with Dr. Berchuck, receive mentorship and training, and collaborate with a diverse group of research and medical professionals. Opportunities for career growth and authorship should be expected within our lab. Our team operates as a highly functional and independent unit in a fast-paced environment, and each member takes ownership of their specific role.

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for a highly motivated, detail-oriented person who wants to join a team that cares about advancing science and improving outcomes for patients with cancer. The ideal candidate is reliable, comfortable working both in a clinic and at the lab bench, and takes pride in doing careful work, because the quality of our samples and data shapes everything we discover. This position is especially well suited to someone planning to pursue medical school, graduate school, or another advanced degree, and who wants hands-on experience in clinical research and translational science before taking that next step.

The Clinical Research Coordinator handles or assists with the administrative and laboratory activities associated with the conduct of prospective clinical research studies, with a focus on biospecimen collection and biobanking.

The Clinical Research Coordinator handles or assists with the administrative activities generally associated with the conduct of clinical trials.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains data pertaining to research projects, completes source documents/case report forms, and performs data entry.
• Assists with patient recruitment.
• Attends study meetings.
• Orders and maintains equipment and supplies.
• Reviews medical records and/or conducts screenings for recruitment of study participants, performs interviews and QOL questionnaires.
• Collects study specimen according to protocol which may include phlebotomy, processing, and preparation for shipping.
• Coordinates services, schedules procedures, creates and maintains case packages, and monitors charges.
• Assists with quality assurance and tracks regulatory submissions.
• Performs related approved responsibilities as required.

ADDITIONAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Reviews medical records and clinic schedules to screen patients against study eligibility criteria, and prepares a list of potential participants for review by the Principal Investigator.
• Approaches and consents eligible patients in clinic according to the schedule agreed upon with the Principal Investigator.
• Coordinates blood collection with clinic staff to ensure that the appropriate samples are collected at the correct timepoints and transported to the laboratory.
• Reviews the medical record to collect clinical information for enrolled patients, including demographics, disease characteristics, treatment history, and relevant clinical outcomes, and enters it into study databases while maintaining accuracy and completeness.
• Processes whole blood to plasma and extracts DNA from plasma according to established laboratory protocols, and prepares aliquots for storage or shipping.
• Maintains the accuracy and integrity of the biobank, including sample labeling, inventory tracking, storage location records, and reconciliation of clinical and specimen data.
• Works with the lab manager, who oversees IRB submissions and ordering, to keep regulatory documents current and to ensure that the supplies needed for sample collection and processing are available.
• Attends study and laboratory meetings and communicates regularly with the Berchuck Lab team, clinic staff, and collaborators.
• Performs related approved responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED and three years of administrative support experience.
• Or two years of college in a scientific, health related, or business administration program and one year of admin support or customer service experience.
• Or be a licensed as a practical nurse (LPN) and one year admin support or one year of licensed practical nursing experience.
• Or a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, MD or PhD in a scientific, health related or business administration program.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, MD or PhD in a scientific or health related program.

This position is intended to support clinical research and all clinical training requirements must be tracked and monitored through Emory Healthcare under the credentialing category of Clinical Researcher.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.

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