SEARCH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION: 

A Clinical research Assistant position is available in the Macular Degeneration Center of Excellence, at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.  Under the direction of the principal investigator or designees, the individual will work closely with the principal investigator, other study staff and collaborators, to carry out protocols involving subject recruitment, clinical data collection, and laboratory database management. Will also make calls to study subjects and laboratories to arrange specimen collection and prepare kits for sending and receiving specimens.  

Applicants must have a degree in the sciences or health care related area with previous clinical research experience.  Good communication skills, and knowledge of maintaining databases is also required.  The Center specializes in research related to patients with retinal dystrophies and macular degenerations.

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator or designee, the Clinical Research Assistant is responsible for performing delegated tasks and procedures involving human subjects in support of  clinical research protocols. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist PI in development of protocol-specific tools to aid in study documentation
• Assess eligibility of research subjects in accordance with the approved protocol and all applicable regulations including HIPAA
• Obtain patient consent and Human Subject Committee approvals for minimal-risk studies as delegated by IRB-approved protocol
• Collect, record, evaluate, update, and store/transport pertinent data and samples in relation to protocol
• Track study enrollment and completion of milestones
• Summarize research findings and prepare presentations
• Perform literature searches
• Schedule patient tests and/or interviews
• Conduct patient telephone follow up
• Stock, inventory, store, and order samples/supplies as needed to maintain appropriate operations
• Review medical records and medical record abstractions for consistency and completeness
• Comply with established policies, health and safety regulations and requirements, procedures, and department objectives
• Maintain patient and study subject confidentiality
• Perform other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or health care field, or related experience
• Experience in using computer-based tools (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of clinical research protocols and familiarity with basic lab operations.
• Ability to travel between UMass and Hahnemann Center.
• Must be physically able to do some lifting and bending to access specimens in study freezers

Usual office environment, dry and wet laboratory, human subjects tissue specimens.