Overview

The Research Assistant will be working in the Division of Family Planning in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences supporting multiple clinical and translational research projects in reproductive health, including contraception and abortion. Applicants must be motivated, organized, and seeking to learn more about clinical trials. The assistant will work under the supervision of the Research Associate and the Principal Investigators but must be capable of performing self-directed tasks. Key responsibilities include research project recruitment, participant scheduling, data management, and research visit support.

Study Recruitment

Conduct recruitment activities for clinical research projects, such as screening medical records and schedules to identify potentially eligible patients, contacting patients by phone to explain studies in detail, and consenting eligible participants.

Data Collection

Schedule and communicate with participants regarding study activities, prepare research materials, administer surveys, and collect physical measurements. This role may also involve assisting with the handling and processing of human blood samples and accompanying study participants to study procedure locations.

Data Management

Input, organize, and maintain research data in accordance with project protocols and ethical guidelines. Conduct data analyses with supervision.

Compliance

Maintain current training in the protection of human research subjects and ensure that research activities comply with institutional, legal, and ethical requirements.

Collaboration

Interact professionally and collaboratively with internal contacts, including the Principal Investigator (PI), research assistants, residents, and medical students, as well as with external contacts such as other research teams. Provide assistance with research projects for trainees, including medical students, residents, and fellows.

Required Skills and Abilities

Active Good Clinical Practices Certification (GCP).
Demonstrated experience with patient recruitment obtaining informed consent.
Comfortable handling human biospecimens, such as blood tubes. Proficiency with word processing and data management software.
Produce high-quality work products with minimal supervision.
Positive attitude with strong work ethic and attention to details. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Reliable and punctual, with ability to make early (7:30am) or late (5:30pm) meetings as needed.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

Familiarity with data entry in REDCap and OnCore. Phlebotomy training/experience with comfort performing blood draws independently.
Proven experience with data analysis using Stata, SAS, or SPSS.
Prior experience in engaging with the public through phone calls.
Proven experience working in a healthcare/clinical trials environment.
Possess knowledge of research methodologies and protocols.

Principal Responsibilities

Researches and collects data through site or home visit intakes; library research; structured interviews; or through other means for designated research assignments.
Records and compiles information related to research data. Codes data accordingly to research specifications. Uses a computer terminal to input and retrieve data and to generate reports.
Processes and summarizes data using scientific or statistical techniques. Assists in data interpretation and analyses. Reports on status of research activities.
Recruits study participants and ensures that subject recruitment and follow-up are completed per protocol procedures.
Orders and maintains inventory of supplies. May assist in designing, developing, and modifying research experiments, procedures, or survey instruments. May assist research and support staff.
Performs additional functions incidental to research activities.