"YCCI Clinical Research Associate (Monitor)"

Overview

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Monitoring for YCCI, the incumbent conducts clinical research monitoring for clinical trials conducted at the Yale School of Medicine and external (non-Yale) sites. The Clinical Research Associate will be responsible for independently tracking, planning, ensuring the research activities are conducted in accordance with approved protocols and reporting monitoring activities. The monitoring activities performed include but are not limited to: Site Qualification Visits, Site Initiation Visits, Interim Monitoring Visits, and Close Out Visits per protocol specific monitoring plans. Frequent travel, beyond CT, is required. This position will be partially funded by the sponsored awards it supports.

Essential Duties of the Position

Reporting directly to the Senior Manager of Monitoring for YCCI, works directly and in collaboration with YCCI leadership, Departmental leaders, investigators, research staff, HRPP and the IRB to facilitate the review the activities associated with human subjects research in terms of safety, compliance, and integrity of clinical trials conducted at Yale and at collaborating external institutions. Performs site qualification visits to determine the feasibility and appropriateness of a potential site before site selection. Monitors clinical trial data and regulatory documents per the protocol specific monitoring plan on-site and remotely to ensure research integrity and compliance with the IRB approved protocol, institutional policies, state and federal regulations, and ICH Good Clinical Practice. Reviews medical records of study participants, determines the impact of non-compliance (e.g. violations of federal regulations, GCP and University policies) on study plans/processes, makes judgments and communicates findings to investigators. Identifies research non-compliance and ensures reporting to appropriate leadership within YCCI, Departmental leadership, HRPP and the IRB. Exercises judgment in the assessment of the level of risk associated with findings in terms of the need for reporting out to other regulatory entities. Provides direction to investigators to strengthen their research and ensure regulatory and protocol compliance. Assesses the risk and stratifies the study from a QA/regulatory compliance perspective based on clinical research experience and regulatory knowledge. Reviews findings from monitoring visits with investigators and research staff and advises and monitors appropriate action plans. Monitors federal and state regulations for new guidance, updates, or policies. Maintains a high degree of knowledge on these requirements to determine actions and follow directives that may be required to ensure compliance. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Advanced knowledge of monitoring techniques and practices. Demonstrable understanding of clinical research processes and procedures from study start-up to study close out. Comprehensive knowledge of federal regulations concerning the protection of human subjects and clinical trial design, implementation and analysis.
2. Comprehensive understanding of clinical research review, approval and Data and Safety Monitoring processes.
3. Professionalism, maturity, good judgment, and ability to work with confidential material and protected health information.
4. Self-directed with the ability to work, plan, research, and conduct projects with minimal supervision and on a flexible schedule. Organized and capable of handling multiple/diverse projects simultaneously.
5. Advanced interpersonal, oral and written communications skills and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of external and internal stakeholders.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. SOCRA/ACRP (or equivalent) certification
2. Master’s Degree or other advanced degree in related field

Principal Responsibilities

1. Works directly and in collaboration with YCCI leadership, Departmental leaders, investigators, research staff, HRPP and the IRB to facilitate the review the activities associated with human subject research in terms of safety, compliance, and integrity of clinical trials conducted at Yale and at collaborating institutions.
2. Evaluates clinical trial conduct to ensure research integrity and compliance with institutional policies, state and federal regulations, and Guidelines to Good Clinical Practice.
3. Identifies research non-compliance and reports to appropriate leadership within YCCI, Departmental leadership, HRPP, the IRB and the OGC.
4. Provides educational and corrective action advice to faculty in preparation for FDA audits. Serves as liaison between the investigator, the research team and the FDA during an actual inspection. Records proceedings and summarizes inspection activity in real time.
5. Consults to investigators needing data safety monitoring plan details/information for their grant application. Develops Data and Safety Monitoring Plans based on the risk assignment categories.
6. Provides direction to investigators to strengthen their research and ensure regulatory and protocol compliance.
7. Analyzes protocol to customize audit plans for protocol specific benchmarks in addition to standard audit reviews.
8. Assesses audit findings in the context of the larger program to identify trends or program wide areas of in need of improvement or education.
9. Assesses the risk and stratify the study from a QA/regulatory compliance perspective based on clinical research experience and regulatory knowledge.
10. Reviews medical records of study participants, determines the impact of non-compliance (e.g. violations of federal regulations, GCP and University policies) on study plans/processes, makes judgments and communicates findings to investigators. Exercises judgment in the assessment of the level of risk associated with findings in terms of the need for reporting out to other regulatory entities.
11. Reports QA findings related to deviations, non-compliance based on very strict reporting regulations.
12. Reviews reports/findings from audits with investigators and advises and monitors appropriate action plan.
13. Conducts follow-up reviews for compliance with audit recommendations, responding to investigator rationale. Identifies trends in findings to be addressed in educational or corrective actions for specific group of researchers.
14. Designs and conducts training programs, makes recommendations for quality improvement and assists in the creation and follow up of corrective action plans based on audit findings.
15. Develops and delivers education and training programs to promote safety and compliance for the PI's and all study team members.
16. Conducts continuous auditing activities identifying areas of high risk and creates activity reports for ongoing analysis from a medical standpoint. Interviews individuals with specialized knowledge related to an investigation. Identifies areas of concern or heightened medical risk to subjects, investigators, or the University.
17. Integration of Data Safety and Monitoring Plans and QA findings with committees and educational plans.

Required Education and Experience

1. Bachelor Degree in related field and five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. GCP training required within 3 months of hire.

Salary Range: $68,000.00 - $120,500.00

Location: 2 Church Street South, New Haven, Connecticut