"Research Assistant 1 HSS"

Overview

The mission of the Yale Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit (ADRU) is to make advancements in the early detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders that ultimately lead to a cure. We aim to achieve these goals through collaborative efforts between participants, caregivers and researchers. We are committed to conducting high quality and impactful research, educating clinical and research trainees, and caring for research participants. We are seeking a Research Assistant (RA) for the Yale ADRU to assist in the coordination of observational studies and clinical trials for individuals with normal cognition, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other cognitive disorders. Primary duties include scheduling participants per study protocol, administering standardized neuropsychological tests and questionnaires to participants and their study partners, and performing clinical assessments such as vital signs, phlebotomy and electrocardiograms. RAs are responsible for maintaining research records, completing case report forms, entering data into electronic data capture systems, providing sponsors with requested clinical and regulatory information, and resolving data queries in a timely manner. Laboratory responsibilities include processing fluid biomarker samples, maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies, and preparing laboratory specimens for shipment. RAs will assist with the preparation of research protocols, including protocol renewals, amendments and all related materials for submission to the investigational review board (IRB). RAs may assist in writing and editing material for scientific publication and presentation.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Clinical or Research Environment Experience: Ability to work well in clinical or research settings.
2. Data Management: Proficiency in data entry, data management, and basic analysis using tools such as Excel and REDCap.
3. Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to be able to interact professionally with clinicians, study staff and research participants, including those with cognitive impairment.
4. Organizational Skills: Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and consistently meet deadlines. At times, such as when study screening is coming to an end, the ADRU is an extremely fast-paced environment with a heavy workload.
5. Technological Proficiency: Proficiency with common research software and lab equipment, including but not limited to MS Office applications, data-entry systems, and virtual meeting platforms.
6. Ability to work as a team member.
7. Ability and willingness to be trained to perform vital signs, phlebotomy and electrocardiograms.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Experience working with individuals with cognitive disorders and their care partners. Sensitivity to and patience with our participants and care partners.
2. Strong knowledge of neuroscientific principles and neuroanatomy and physiology.
3. Working knowledge of medical terminology and prior experience supporting research studies.
4. Prior experience processing and shipping lab samples.
5. Prior experience with phlebotomy, electrocardiograms, vital signs, biospecimen freezers and centrifuges.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Researches and collects data through site or home visit intakes; library research; structured interviews; or through other means for designated research assignments.
2. 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.
3. Processes and summarizes data using scientific or statistical techniques. Assists in data interpretation and analyses. Reports on status of research activities.
4. Recruits study participants and ensures that subject recruitment and follow-up are completed per protocol procedures.
5. 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.
6. Performs additional functions incidental to research activities.

Required Education and Experience

Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate's degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.