Clinical Research Assistant I

SUMMARY

This position is with the Research and Development Service of the VA Portland Health Care System in Portland, Oregon. The Research Assistant is responsible for assisting the research team with multiple aspects of health services and clinical research related to infectious diseases, quality improvement, and implementation projects.

The position may fluctuate between 30-40 hours/week depending on project needs, noting a minimum of 30 hours/week are required to be eligible for full benefits.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Research Assistant I (RA I) will assist the study coordinators under the direct supervision of the Program manager while ultimately reporting to the PI, Dr. Pfeiffer. The RA I will assist with a range of clinical and research-related tasks including:
• Assist the research coordinator with required study procedures, patient visits, data entry, sponsor-related required reporting all per study protocol
• Performing clinical tasks including vital signs, venipuncture, centrifugation/pipetting of biohazardous materials (upon successful training)
• Teach study subjects about the study procedures and follow up with patients in person and/or by phone to ensure compliance.
• Medical record review/data extraction
• Data entry and organization
• Completing IRB paperwork
• Monitoring compliance of projects with various regulations including local and national IRB as well as regulatory documentation (including protocols, approvals, amendments, modifications, etc.) to study sponsors
• Maintaining study documentation, databases, and manual transfer of data with a high degree of accuracy
• Assisting with manuscripts and other writing tasks
• Completing other duties as assigned

JOB DUTIES

• Vitals signs (willing and able to be trained on how to accurately obtain vital signs)
• Venipuncture (willing and able to be trained on how to perform venipuncture)
• Lab work including centrifugation, pipetting, storing, and shipping of potential biohazardous materials
• Maintaining a working knowledge of study protocols and adhering to all study procedures
• Assisting with Institutional Review Board submissions, modifications, and continuing reviews
• Assisting with updating files of all applicable regulatory documentation (including protocols, approvals, amendments, modifications, etc.)
• Teaching subjects about the study procedures and following up by phone as needed to ensure compliance
• Maintaining study documentation, databases, and manual transfer of data with a high degree of accuracy
• Attending and participating in team meetings and phone study phone calls
• Notifying appropriate study team members when difficulties, confusions, or technological issues arise
• Completing other research-related tasks as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree/no experience or Associates degree with 2 years relevant experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• English fluency
• Professional oral and written communication skills
• Experience with or demonstrated ability to learn medical terminology

COMPUTER SKILLS

Proficiency with Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, and other Microsoft Office Suite applications. Proficient with CPRS.

REASONING ABILITY

• Advanced critical thinking/reasoning skills
• Demonstrated organizational acumen
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to effectively prioritize/multitask
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to remain flexible amid changing priorities and problem-solve in a diplomatic and professional manner

Apply online at http://www.pvarf.org and include a CV and cover letter explaining your interest in the position. Cover letter should include description of recent work history as it relates to the specific responsibilities in the job announcement.

Portland VA Research Foundation is an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status such as race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, or age.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to cultural inclusion, respect for differences, acceptance, and respect for all employees.