Clinical Research Assistant

University of Maryland • Baltimore, MD

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Nursing is seeking a part-time, contractual (Contingent I) Clinical Research Assistant for the Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health. We are seeking a motivated and personable research assistant to help deliver and evaluate an innovative virtual reality (VR) intervention designed to prevent functional decline in hospitalized older adults. In this role, you will work directly with hospitalized patients to implement the Preserving Ability through Virtual Exercise (PAVE) program, a fun, music-driven VR experience where participants engage in movement by hitting targets to the beat of their favorite songs. We hope this work will directly contribute to preventing functional decline and improving quality of life during hospital stays. This is a highly interactive, patient-facing role. This position is based at Midtown Hospital, with potential expansion to an additional hospital site in the fall. Comprehensive training will be provided, so prior experience with these specific methods is not required. There will be opportunity to contribute to scientific publications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field of study related to the research of the clinical setting, kinesiology, rehabilitation sciences, public health, medicine, or related field.
• Experience working with older adults, preferably in the clinical or hospital
• Strong interpersonal skills, careful attention to detail, and a proactive, driven mindset.
• Ability to build rapport with patients, guide them through a novel technology, ensure their safety, and carefully manage study procedures and data collection
• Reliable transportation and ability to be on-site 2–5 days per week at the hospital.
• Ability to follow detailed study protocols and maintain confidentiality of patient data.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with these specific methods is not required.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and enroll hospitalized older adults into the study; Deliver the PAVE VR intervention and support participants during sessions with technology questions
• Assess patient function and provide physical activity education
• Ensure participant’s safety and comfort at all times
• Collect survey data and research outcomes
• Program and manage accelerometers, including data downloading
• Serve as both interventionist and evaluator with consistency and attention to protocol

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level