Clinical Research Assistant 2-Hem/Onc

Connecticut Children's Medical Center•Hartford, CT

About The Position

Directly reporting to the Lead Clinical Research Associate for designated area(s) of the Clinical Trials Department, under limited supervision, independently performs clinical research activities for a broad range of assigned non-therapeutic research studies in accordance with federal and state regulations, Institutional Review Board approvals and Connecticut Children’s policies and procedures. Additionally, supports Clinical Research Associates and Clinical Research Nurse Coordinators in the coordination and management of clinical trials. With increasing on-the-job experience, successful completion of competencies and mentorship, will assume responsibility for study coordination of clinical trials in addition to non-therapeutic studies. Works collaboratively with investigators, clinical research nurses, ancillary team members, and external parties (e.g. study Sponsors) to successfully execute trial specific protocol requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a health care related field. Degrees in other areas may be substituted on a case-by-case basis.
A minimum of 1 year previous clinical research experience or health care related experience in a professional, internship or volunteer role.
Successful completion of the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Course in the Protection of Human Research Subjects found at www.citiprogram.org within the first three months of employment.
Completion of certification exam for Clinical Research Professional given by the Association for Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) is required within three years of employment.
Knowledge of (acquired within the first 3 months of employment): Research protocols, research regulations, human research protection principles and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.
Skills (acquired within the first 3 months of employment): Demonstrates an understanding of protocol elements, the ability to execute study procedures, and the ability to anticipate and mitigate potential protocol non-compliance. Demonstrates an understanding of the elements of clinical trial participant safety, related documentation and reporting. Recognizes situations requiring prompt escalation and demonstrates actions to minimize risks. Demonstrates and understanding of investigational product development process and applies key regulatory requirements to control these processes. Demonstrates an understanding of procedures to prevent potential ethical and professional conflicts and how to manage such events should they occur.
Skills (current knowledge required): Demonstrated proficiency in Windows environment; intermediate to advanced level word processing and spreadsheet skills (Microsoft Word & Excel); and intermediate to advanced skills developing presentations (Microsoft Powerpoint);advanced skills in database design and database management (Microsoft Access)
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Highly organized and adept at project management.
Ability to (acquired within the first 3 months of employment): Ability to collect, verify and report study data via source documentation and apply ALCOA-C practices to the collection of data in a given study. Ability to coordinate and manage communications with multiple internal and external stakeholders including clinical trial participant and family, ancillary team members, and study Sponsors. Ability to problem solve, organize and adapt to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

Ensures compliance with study protocols and clearly and thoroughly documents each study participant visit.
Participates in recruitment and selection of clinical trial participants by reviewing medical history as well as protocol specified inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Participates in the consent/assent process ensuring the study participant and/or legal guardian understand all aspects of the study protocol including risks and benefits of participating in the clinical trial.
Provides timely information regarding each study visit to all ancillary departments as required e.g., Office for Grants and Sponsored Programs, pharmacy, institutional review board, etc.).
Completes data collection as specified by the study protocol.
Provides timely information to study Sponsors including completion of data queries.
Oversees the procurement, preparation and shipping of research specimens as needed.
Meets with the Principal Investigator regularly during the trial to review progress, identify challenges and reconcile issues as necessary, documents meetings with investigators.
May transport study medication as needed from Connecticut Children’s research pharmacy to a Connecticut Children’s outpatient clinic in accordance with Connecticut Children’s Medication Transportation Policy.
Participates in Connecticut Children’s internal study start-up process and works collaboratively with the study team to prepare study for activation.
May assist in the development of protocols, consents, and/or data collection methods.
Completes IRB submissions and organizes all regulatory and subject research records.
Establishes clear and consistent communication with the study Sponsor and all Connecticut Children’s team members involved in the study.
Attends clinical trial investigator meetings coordinated by the trial Sponsor.
Assists team members in performing quality assurance checks in accordance with department SOPs to ensure protocol compliance, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and all other applicable regulatory requirements.
Ensures all research records are compliant with study protocol requirements prior to monitor visits.
Participates in all internal and external training sessions and meetings for assigned studies.
Participates in internal Clinical Trials team meetings and Connecticut Children’s research education sessions.
Maintains professional expertise through involvement in professional organizations and continuing education programs.
Demonstrates knowledge of the age-related differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from birth through young adults and applies them to practice.
Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with trial participants and families.
Values cultural diversity and other individual differences in the workforce.
Demonstrates support for the mission, values, and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with Connecticut Children’s Medical Center standards.
Performs other related responsibilities as assigned.
Provides education regarding study specific protocol requirements to ancillary Connecticut Children’s team members involved in the execution and conduct of the trial.