Research Associate 1, SOM

University of Miami•Miami, FL

About The Position

The Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation is currently seeking a Research Associate 1 to work in Miami. The Research Associate 1, SOM will assist with clinical research studies under the direction of the PI. He/she will work on federally-funded research projects, primarily in persons with spinal cord injuries, and will be expected to assist with a variety of research and outreach activities in collaboration with other research staff and faculty. The applicant should be able to learn quickly and be prepared to join a laboratory that conducts research in the field of spinal cord injury and neuropathic pain. The main study requires in-person and phone interviews, and other studies involve investigations of mechanisms of chronic pain utilizing quantitative sensory testing techniques. Activities will include recruiting study participants, conducting interviews, assisting with completion of questionnaires and other research assessments according to detailed procedures and guidelines, providing assistance with IRB processes (e.g., abiding by requirements for reporting safety or study deviations, updating study procedures as required, and assistance with submitting annual reports), entering data, and assisting with other research and administrative activities as assigned. Additional tasks and opportunities to contribute to our research objectives will be considered depending on the skill set and accomplishments of the RA1.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field
Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.
Commitment to the University’s core values.
Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

Understands and interprets research protocols and procedures.
Participates in the publication of significant results, as appropriate.
Maintains an overview of relevant research findings.
Ensures all research is undertaken according to good research practice.
Keeps abreast of current publications relative to methods, techniques, and developments within the area of research.
Operates and maintains laboratory equipment.
Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
Successfully complete, and maintain, certification in ethical conduct of research and quality assurance training for conduct of specific research protocols
Understand and interpret research protocols, strictly following detailed procedures for research-related questionnaires and assessments.
Use medical records to screen potential participants for study eligibility.
Recruit study participants, be comfortable discussing the details of the study with potential participants and their family members.
Administer questionnaires in person and over the phone in strict accordance with protocol.
Establish and maintain rapport with participants and family to facilitate retention throughout the study; answer their questions, assist with identifying resources to help in working through problems participants may have pertaining to the study protocol or other aspects of their well-being.
Work with team members, including both the clinical and research teams, to coordinate research appointments and data collection in accordance with research protocols and University and clinical care guidelines.
Use sound judgement in the management of research tasks to appropriately prioritize meeting study benchmarks, research-related goals, and deadlines.
Exhibit the utmost integrity in the performance of research duties; consult with the PI when procedural deviations may occur.
Ensure compliance with the Informed Consent/Assent/HIPPA process, with accurate completion and documentation.
Display vigilance in record keeping with regards to recruitment efforts, participant enrollment, protocol deviations, and handling confidential information with discretion.
Assist with keeping study records, participant information, and all source documents and data collection forms well-organized and secure.
Assist PI, co-investigators, and other study staff with summary reports and provide presentation support as requested.
Set up study equipment in preparation for study visits adhering to standard procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned, and assist other team members with tasks as request.