"Research Assistant for Musculoskeletal Research Project"

Job Details

Unit: School Of Medicine MBU

Department: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

The Research in Athletes and Military Health Sciences (RAMHS) is seeking one detail-oriented, self-motivated undergraduate-level student or higher to assist part-time with a research study related to musculoskeletal health and muscle function during walking gait among individuals with a recent ankle sprain. The individual will specifically assist with the funded study Sex Differences in Hip Muscle Adaptations and the Link to Future Injury Following Acute First-Time Lateral Ankle Sprains’ through the BIRCWH K12 Grant. This individual will work with a team of investigators and research staff and students within RAMHS. This individual will assist with research operations, including study organization and scheduling, data collection, and timely project completion. Applicants will need to dedicate approximately 10 hours per week to this position for about 48 weeks (Anticipated Start Date: Late Fall 2025). Individuals from all backgrounds will be encouraged to apply, but we expect that those with a background in sports medicine, exercise physiology, kinesiology, or related fields will be most aligned with the position expectations and goals.

Duties & Responsibilities:

During Study Conduct:

• Medical chart review in Epic for participant identification
• Recruiting and scheduling research participants, including interacting with research participants, and research participant parents/guardians for adolescents
• Assisting with study administrative tasks (Institutional Review Board modifications/updates as needed)
• Supporting during study visits
• Performing data entry and quality checks within REDCap

Additional Tasks:

• Regular interactions with the study team to ensure timely project completion
• Providing reports/study updates to track progress
• Share with the investigative team a passion for musculoskeletal research
• Optional: Based on the Research Assistant’s interest level, assisting with project dissemination, such as manuscript and research abstract development

Minimum Qualifications

• At minimum, at the undergraduate level
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with others in a dynamic and collaborative environment
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications

• Scientific research
• REDCap data capture and processing
• Medical record system usage

Salary Range: $20/hour

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 10 hour/week; Total of 48 weeks

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

This position is open until filled.

This is a restricted position. Continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.

Candidates should submit a cover letter addressing each of the required qualifications that they hold, as well as a resume and references. Please direct inquiries to Alexandra DeJong Lempke (Alexandra.lempke@vcuhealth.org)

Please note that if you are employed as a university employee working in any of the health system's facilities, you will need to follow VCU Health System policies, which will include but will not be limited to, vaccination requirements.

Contact Information: Contact Name: Dr. Alexandra DeJong Lempke Contact Email: alexandra.lempke@vcuhealth.org