Institute for Medical Research at the Durham VA Health Care System

Clinical Trials Assistant I – Clinic

PI: Dr. Stephen Freedland

The Institute for Medical Research (IMR), an affiliate of the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS), is looking for a full-time Clinical Trials Assistant I – Clinic that will be involved with the implementation and execution of a variety of clinical research projects including the recruitment and enrollment of research study patients, specimen collection, and data collection from medical records and questionnaires. These multiple functions require a significant degree of flexibility and independence to complete complex tasks. The successful candidate will be employed in the laboratory of Dr. Stephen Freedland, a nationally recognized leader in cancer and urology research.

This is an in-person and highly patient facing position that will require the ability to learn and conduct research blood draws and the ability to manage multiple study workflows and processes.

Location: This position is in-office with the option to work up to one day remote per week. This position is located in Durham, North Carolina and candidates must be willing to relocate prior to start date.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Patient Outreach and Study Recruitment:

• Review patient’s electronic medical record information to determine eligibility to various research studies
• Contribute significantly to patient outreach, interaction, and successful recruitment to a variety of sponsored and non-sponsored research studies
• Conduct in-person approaches and phone screens for patient inclusion in research studies
• Interact with potential study participants in-person and remotely
• Appropriately catalogue and maintain strict recordkeeping any outreach or interaction undertaken with Durham patients, including communication via mail, phone, and in-person approaches
• Assist in preparing paperwork and ensuring smooth clinic workflow
• Obtain various measurements from participants including vital signs and waist and hip circumference
• Strive to meet patient enrollment goals

Data Quality and Compliance:

• Assist in collection and management of patient-oriented data used in support of analytical and/or research projects related to oncology and sponsor-funded studies
• Maintain study databases and other study-related spreadsheets and logs
• Perform efficient and accurate data abstraction and entry into various study database systems
• Adhere to all safety and compliance regulations, internal standards of procedure, good clinical practice, and other IMR/VA policies
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times

Specimen and Laboratory:

• Attend phlebotomy training courses and complete in-person blood draw competency training
• Perform venipuncture on participants who enroll in studies needing blood draws
• Assist in the timely processing and/or shipment of study specimen (including but not limited to: blood, urine, stool, etc.)
• Assist with specimen organization, storage, and laboratory equipment maintenance

Teamwork and Motivation:

• Work effectively with other team members as part of a team
• Complete tasks independently and manage personal workflow
• Communicate diplomatically and professionally with administration, faculty, clinical and lab personnel, subjects, and other study team members

Non-critical Elements:

• Troubleshoot and modify protocol implementation when necessary
• Recommend new methods for data collection and documentation
• Assist other research personnel

Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree and 1 year of relevant experience.

Additional Requirements:

• This position requires an organized, task oriented, deadline-sensitive individual.
• Applicants must deal diplomatically and professionally with administration, faculty, clinical and lab personnel, and subjects.
• Demonstrated leadership, professional initiative and teamwork abilities are required.
• This position requires an applicant who is comfortable with processing human specimens such as blood, urine, and feces; in addition, undergoing phlebotomy training.
• Basic computer skills are required and familiarity with MS Excel and MS word are preferred.
• Prior experience with clinical research, lab work (specifically DNA extraction), FDA regulations, HIPAA considerations, and consenting process is preferred.

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements and activities that are required to perform the essential functions of the position include, but may not be limited to, as follows: Must be able to occasionally lift, pull and push a minimum of 25 pounds, stand for extended periods of time, sit for extended periods of time, squat, kneel, and stoop, regularly use fingers, hands for computer work.

Supervisory Controls: The position of Clinical Trials Assistant I – Clinic is under the direct supervisor of the Research Team Lead.

The prior statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Rate of Pay: $22.00 per hour

Status:Non-Exempt

Start Date: Expected start date will be 4- 6 weeks after the offer but is somewhat flexible and contingent upon completion and approval of VA paperwork.

Employee Benefits: IMR offers a competitive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, short and long term disability insurance. IMR offers a matching 403b retirement savings plan, and paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave. Please visit https://imr.org/benefits/ for information about employee benefits.

All IMR employees are required to obtain a Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointment at the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS). As a result, the successful candidate must undergo a federal background check and may be subject to a physical and drug test. Participation in the vaccination programs may be required for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointments. We will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled persons and Veterans.

Click here to apply to this position and others directly on the Institute for Medical Research Careers Page!