• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: SSA
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $58,102.42 - $58,102.42

Position Summary

The Research Assistant at the Columbia P&S Research Site will play a key role in providing technical and research-oriented services, supporting a diverse range of studies within the Division of Infectious Diseases. These studies encompass various aspects, including COVID-19, HIV prevention, and treatment clinical research.

Joining a dynamic clinical research team, the successful candidate will contribute to the team's primary goals of delivering top-notch clinical care, education, and research in alignment with academic excellence. The role involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of researchers to implement and conduct biomedical research studies. These studies encompass epidemiological and clinical research related to COVID-19, as well as investigations into attitudes towards HIV prevention and the uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among young adults and at-risk women. The Columbia P&S Clinical Research Site conducts both industry and NIH-sponsored studies focused on HIV prevention and treatment.

The Research Assistant works under the general supervision of the principal investigator, handling routine assignments with the possibility of more complex duties. The position relies on grant funding.

The ideal candidate for this position is a bright, self-motivated, and highly organized individual with strong communication skills. The ability to quickly learn new skills, work independently, and collaborate effectively within a clinical research setting is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in participant recruitment, screening procedures, participant education about study protocols, administering questionnaires, and collecting data in accordance with study protocols.
• Ensure proper collection, transportation, and storage of data and study samples according to study protocols.
• Aid in preparing clinical and laboratory forms, materials, and documentation, ensuring accurate adherence to protocol-mandated procedures.
• Contribute to the design and development of educational materials for participants and providers.
• Perform assays, prepare solutions, calibrate equipment, process specimens, and conduct quality control in line with assigned protocols.
• Enter data into the appropriate database and perform quality assurance activities to ensure timely and accurate transmission of study data.
• Assist in developing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs), including participant retention strategies.
• Contribute to the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of collected data.
• Conduct informed consent procedures and obtain signed informed consent before initiating study-related procedures.
• Perform additional administrative duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 1.5 years of related experience or equivalent in education, training and experience.
• Strong decision-making skills, independent problem-solving ability, attention to detail, record-keeping proficiency, and multitasking capabilities.
• Essential computer skills and strong communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in discussing sexual health and sexual risk with young adults and adolescents.
• Knowledge of COVID, HIV prevention strategies, HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases, or clinical and laboratory research.
• Prior experience in managing datasets.
• Proficiency in Spanish language.
• Phlebotomy training.

Other Requirements

• The candidate selected for this position is required to undergo a drug screening test prior to a final offer of employment being made.
• Participation in the medical surveillance program
  • Contact with patients and/or research subjects
  • Potential bloodborne pathogen exposure
• Successful completion of applicable compliance and systems training requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.