Medical Assistant II

Texas A&M University System•Dallas, TX

1d•$22

About The Position

The Texas A&M AgriLife Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, IHA, is the world’s first academic institute to bring together precision nutrition, responsive agriculture, and social and behavioral research to reduce diet-related chronic disease and lower health care costs in a way that supports producers and the environment. The Clinical Research Medical Assistant supports the implementation of clinical and field-based research activities within the Texas A&M AgriLife IHA at our Dallas Clinic and on our Mobile Health Assessment Centers (MHACs). This position plays a critical role in participant engagement, specimen and data collection, biosafety compliance, and coordination of study procedures under the direction of the MHAC Clinical Manager and the Clinical Program Director. This role requires frequent verbal and written interaction with individuals whose primary language may be English or Spanish. Therefore, bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is a requirement for the position.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Completion of a medical assistant training program.
Three years of related experience.
Minimum one year experience with phlebotomy.
Fluency in English and Spanish (verbal and written) — required.
Ability to interpret and translate accurately between English and Spanish.
Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the position.

Nice To Haves

Experience in clinical or public health research, including specimen collection and data management.
Familiarity with CLIA-waived testing, BSL-2 procedures, and mobile health operations.
Proficiency in REDCap, Microsoft Office Suite, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems.
Preferred certification as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through an accredited program (e.g., AAMA, AMT, or NHA).
Current CPR/BLS/AED training and certification.
Strong interpersonal, leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Maintains attention to detail and utilizes sound judgment.
Maintains professional demeanor in all activities.
Ability to lead and function as a strong collaborator on a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to take initiative, work independently, and manage priorities and tasks as assigned.
Strong customer service skills required to work effectively with people from many backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Research Data Collection: Serves as the lead medical assistant and performs research data collection on a daily basis.
Performs and documents vital signs, anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference), and body composition assessments (e.g., Bod Pod, Pea Pod, InBody 770) according to study protocols (training to be provided on more specialized pieces of equipment).
Performs and assists with biological specimen collection and processing, including blood (both phlebotomy and fingerstick samples), urine, saliva, stool, breastmilk, and hair/nail samples, following BSL-2 safety standards.
Prepares and labels biological specimens, maintains chain-of-custody documentation, and ensures accurate sample storage and transport.
Administers study questionnaires and assists participants in completing digital health assessments.
Documents all pertinent findings and communicates with the study team, as appropriate.
Updates participant data information and results in electronic software records.
Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for each clinical procedure.
Maintains research participant privacy and confidentiality.
Clinical Duties: Determines equipment, and supply needs, as applicable, for facilitation of clinical research protocols.
Oversees and ensures the cleanliness of exam and data collection rooms are maintained at the highest standards to prevent spread of infection.
Ensures clinical supplies are properly stocked and available as needed for patient care.
Keeps inventory and ensures proper care and maintenance of all medical supplies and equipment, abiding by expiration dates, temperature and storage requirements, and orders/replenishes supplies as needed.
Ensures all Point of Care testing performed are compliant with the CLIA Waiver Certificate requirements and keeps the proper required documentation.
Abides by the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for clinical and non-clinical procedures conducted.
Supports data entry and verification in electronic data capture systems and research databases (e.g., REDCap).
Monitors participants for adverse events and promptly report to the PI or Clinical Manager.
Escalates non-routine issues, questions and/or concerns to the MHAC Clinical Manager.
Works closely with the MHAC Clinical Manager to ensure abnormal research participant results are promptly identified and referred for appropriate follow-up when necessary.
Maintains all appropriate certifications, and training necessary for the role (Citi training, CPR, AED, Bloodborne Pathogens, etc.).
Ensures that all activities performed are compliant with the rules and regulations set forth by the TAMU system, state, and federal regulations.
Works collaboratively with multiple departments across the TAMU system to ensure safety and compliance with human research studies (IRB, EH&S, etc.).
Maintains HIPAA compliance, when applicable.
Other Duties: Performs other duties as assigned.
May need to perform office projects and tasks assigned by the supervisor.