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Research Assistant Job Description

Participate in the design, administration and monitoring of clinical trials. Analyze and evaluate clinical data gathered during research. Ensure compliance with protocol and overall clinical objectives.

May require a BS, RN, or BSN degree or equivalent and 0-3 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Knowledge of FDA regulatory requirements is required. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices and procedures within a particular field. Rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Work under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct literature reviews

  • Collect and analyze data

  • Prepare materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations

  • Prepare interview questions

  • Recruit and/or interview subjects

  • Maintain accurate records of interviews, safeguarding the confidentiality of subjects, as necessary

  • Summarize interviews

  • Provide ready access to all experimental data for the faculty researcher and/or supervisor

  • Request or acquire equipment or supplies necessary for the project

  • Manage and respond to project related email

  • Prepare, maintain and update website materials

  • Supervise undergraduate students working on the research project (maintaining records on assignment completion, acting as liaison/mediator between the undergraduate students and the faculty researcher)

  • Attend project meetings

  • Attend area seminars and other meetings as necessary

  • Summarize project results

  • Prepare progress reports

  • Prepare other articles, reports and presentations

  • Monitor the project budget

  • Travel to field sites to collect and record data and/or samples as appropriate to the specific objectives of the study

  • As appropriate to the specified position, code and verify data in accordance with specified research protocol and coding procedures and enter data into a computer database and/or spreadsheet application for subsequent analysis

  • Develop or assist in the development of interview schedules; contact potential subjects to introduce and explain study objectives and protocol and to arrange interviews, either in person or by telephone

  • Identify and compile lists of potential research subjects in accordance with study objectives and parameters, as appropriate to the individual position

  • Conduct and record face-to-face and/or telephone interviews with subjects, in accordance with predetermined interview protocol, data collection procedures and documentation standards

  • Review and edit data to ensure completeness and accuracy of information; follow up with subjects to resolve problems or clarify data collected

  • May set up, calibrate and maintain laboratory and/or field research equipment, as specified by the requirements of the study

  • May lead or guide the work of student employees

  • Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

  • Prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management

  • Write and contribute to publications

  • Develop research protocols

  • Track progress over time

  • Assist with preparation of all educational and training workshops and evaluation strategies

  • Engage clinical and community partners in research

  • Market training and technical assistance resources to clinical partners and academic investigators

  • Develop assessment and evaluation tools

  • Compile data for progress reports

Requirements:

  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis

  • High school diploma or equivalent; college degree preferred

Research Assistant top skills & proficiencies:

  • Communication

  • Attention to detail

  • Critical thinking

  • Technical skills

  • Statistical and Graphical Analysis of Data

  • Ability to maintain quality, safety and/or infection control standards

  • Planning and scheduling

  • Interviewing

  • Data Collection

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