Institute for Medical Research at the Durham VA Health Care System Clinical Trials Assistant I – Tissue PI: Dr. Stephen Freedland The Institute for Medical Research, a nonprofit organization that conducts cutting edge research for the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS), is seeking to hire Clinical Trials Assistant I. This position is ideal for a highly motivated individual with considerable patient or direct outreach experience, or who is highly skilled in customer service and/or relations, and who may have an interest in clinical research. The successful candidate will be employed in the laboratory of Dr. Stephen Freedland, a nationally recognized leader in cancer and urology research. The Clinical Trials Assistant I – Tissue is involved with the implementation and execution of a variety of clinical research projects including the working with pathological specimen handling, blood processing, and data collection from medical records and questionnaires. These multiple functions require a significant degree of flexibility and independence to complete complex tasks. This position is ideal for a highly motivated individual who may be taking time off between degrees. In this position, you will work with a highly productive and dynamic team of MDs, PhDs, and research scientists at a high-tier medical institution. The Clinical Trials Assistant will gain considerable knowledge of clinical research methods, cancer biology, and urology. Location: This position is in-office. This position is located in Durham, North Carolina and candidates must be willing to relocate prior to start date. Duties and Responsibilities: Data Quality and Compliance:
Review patient charts to screen for possible subjects and to compile data
Assist in the collection and management of clinical data and collection of source documents
Review electronic and paper medical records for medical information and conduct electronic database entry
Perform efficient and accurate data abstraction and entry into various study database systems
Maintain study databases and other study-related spreadsheets, trackers, and logs
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:
Assist in organizing, cataloging and maintaining human tissue/specimen bank in team spreadsheets and in the team’s LIMS program
Assist with freezer organization, sample storage, and laboratory freezer maintenance
Assist in locating and refiling of pathological tissue slides and blocks
Assist in processing specimen collected from study participants (including but not limited to DNA quantification)
Assist in the timely shipment of study specimen (including but not limited to: blood, urine, stool, etc.)
Complete weekly laboratory maintenance tasks
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
Assist other Freedland team members with research or miscellaneous tasks not directly related to the Tissue Team, when applicable
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.
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 – Tissue is under the direct supervisor of the Clinical Research Coordinator I – Tissue.
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 non-negotiable
Status: Non-Exempt
Start Date: Expected start date will be 6 - 8 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 if you work 25 hours or more which includes health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability insurance. IMR offers a matching 403b retirement savings plan if you work 20 or more hours. Both part-time and full-time employees get 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 (https://imr.org/careers/) to apply to this position and others directly on the Institute for Medical Research Careers Page (https://imr.org/careers/) !