RESEARCH ASSISTANT 2, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Arthritis Autoimmune Disease Center

The Bujor Lab is within the Arthritis and Autoimmune Disease Center (AADC). Our program focuses on systemic sclerosis (scleroderma/SSc), studying the interaction of immunity and fibrosis, identifying biomarkers, and developing/validating outcome measures for SSc clinical trials. We conduct translational research alongside clinical care, including novel approaches to measure and treat skin fibrosis (e.g., spatial frequency domain imaging [SFDI]) and to assess vasculopathy (e.g., nailfold video capillaroscopy [NVC] and other optical methods). Work is supported by NIH R01s and foundation/industry sponsors. The lab maintains a scleroderma biorepository and associated clinical/research databases to store specimens and data for approved research on SSc and related conditions. The Research Coordinator will assist the initiation, implementation and administration of clinical research. This position will require on-campus subject interaction; regulatory and IRB administration. This position will be supervised to assist with the engagement, recruitment and retention of study participants for multiple research studies. This position will be responsible for organizing and maintaining biorepository.

Essential Functions

• RA will screen and track the eligibility of patients seen in the clinic as well as outside referrals for eligibility in research studies. Once eligibility is met and reviewed by PI, the RA will schedule the participant for a screening and baseline visit to confirm eligibility. The RA may assist with obtaining informed consent. Additional tasks include scheduling patients for study visits and assist the PI with conducting study interviews/surveys, data collection and entry in electronic database capture system/Velos/REDCap. The research assistant will help to identify any issues with study adherence and safety and report issues immediately to PI.
• Assist with the development of patient recruitment strategies including creating posters, flyer, or handouts. Create checklists to ensure protocol procedures are being followed. The RA will review medical records for potential study participants in EPIC and outside referral sources and inform the PI of potential participants to contact. The RA will conduct telephone pre-screening interviews to determine initial eligibility; final eligibility will be determined by the PI. Assist with study visits by preparing necessary forms and supplies for the test day and be the participant navigator for the visit.
• Assist in drafting IRB amendments and protocol deviations if necessary and support the PI with submission of documents to local IRB if applicable. Attend study related meetings and complete action items assigned to the RA.
• Assist the PI with training for student volunteers on protocol. Inform the PI with any student volunteer related issues.
• Assist with processing all incoming specimens, reorganizing biorepository, updating database to ensure compliance with federal guidelines.

Required Skills

Bachelor's degree with 1-3 years of related experience.