Research Associate I

University of Arkansas System • Little Rock, AR

3d

About The Position

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans. The Research Associate will serve as the lead staff member and oversee study coordination and training of new team members. The Research Associate will also contribute to data collection including conducting interviews and other assessments with research study participants to obtain data for assigned research projects following established guidelines & procedures within the funded grant guidelines. Serve to aid in day-to-day activities within the grant as they relate to recruitment, screening, enrollment and assessment of research participants for research studies. He/She will also oversee data collection and be responsible for data management activities, including readying data sets for analysis and troubleshooting any issues with electronic data capture instruments. This position works under the supervision of the study PI. After initial, intensive training, they will oversee other members of the research team, working with them with latitude for independent judgment. They will manage regulatory processes, including maintaining study binder, ensuring electronic and paper logs, assessments, study documents are current and accurate, and the team is appropriately trained in study procedures and maintain their certifications. The Research Associate will also work closely with the PI and study statisticians on analyses of datasets, including assisting with data quality control, data handling, assisting with statistical analyses, and preparing materials for publications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biology or behavioral sciences (psychology, sociology, health sciences), plus five (5) years of research-related experience required.
• Knowledgeable in Word and Excel.
• Experience working with human subjects, including conducting psychiatric diagnostic interviews, administering cognitive testing batteries, collecting blood samples, and processing.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Research Specialist Certification (CRS) and completion of Collaborative Institutional Training Institute (CITI) preferred.
• Biostatistics Knowledge or Postgraduate training in statistics and data handling.
• Perform venipuncture and processing of biological specimens (i.e., blood & urine, saliva) under the supervision of medical personnel.
• Perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) under the direct supervision of medical personnel.
• Perform vital signs (blood pressure and pulse) and weights.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing other staff and/or student trainees in executing project activities, including data collection.
• Overseeing the training activities of new staff members and trainees.
• Coordinates hiring, training, and supervising qualified site study staff.
• Will serve as the direct supervisor of research assistants, meeting staff individually as well as in a group on a regular basis.
• Communicates regularly with and oversees the work of staff to ensure ongoing protocol adherence.
• Supervises the collection, processing, and shipment of study biological assessments.
• Helps develop coordinates the creation and maintenance of local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Manages site resources and assigns duties to study staff to ensure smooth implementation of protocols following regulatory guidelines.
• Monitors recruitment and retention rates, providing weekly status updates to the PI and sub-I’s.
• Monitors site data quality.
• Follows up on monitoring action items and coordinates additional training as needed.
• Ensures that supplies needed to conduct the trials, including the study investigational product, are adequate and appropriately maintained.
• Leads weekly team meetings.
• Work closely with the PI and study statisticians on analyses of datasets, including assisting with data quality control, data handling, assisting with statistical analyses, and preparing materials for publications.
• Using detailed interview questionnaires collects data for research studies; monitors the information for eligibility for the specific protocol as well as accuracy and completeness prior to examination by the investigators and/or sponsoring agency.
• Interviews may be conducted in person at the research office location, by videoconference, by telephone, or by mail.
• Schedules potential study participants with appropriate clinical staff according to the requirements of the protocol.
• Provides reminder calls to ensure participants attend all study visits.
• Makes follow-up contact with participants to obtain missing or questionable data and participant tracking information.
• Complete case report forms according to protocols.
• Collects, codes & enters study information into the assigned database.
• Assists in data compilation.
• Resolves data queries within data base with assistance from the coordinator and PI.
• Maintains records & study information, prepares reports and summaries as needed.
• Perform venipuncture and processing of biological specimens (i.e., blood, urine, saliva) under the supervision of medical personnel.
• Perform vital signs (blood pressure and pulse), height, and weight.
• Performs initial contact with prospective research participants, explains research protocols, and reviews consent forms.
• Collects prescreening information packet, which will assist in the enrollment of participants in the appropriate study.
• Assist in the creation and distribution of advertising materials (brochures, posters, flyers) to UAMS, PRI, and community partners.
• Meet with community partners (social workers, community mental health workers) to describe research studies.
• Assist in achieving enrollment goals for all active research studies.
• Maintains complete and accurate records and files pertaining to one or more research studies.
• Maintain detailed records of patient visits and procedures.
• Ensures that completed interview questionnaires are complete, legible, and accurate in accordance with research protocols and FDA regulations.
• Design forms, worksheets, and study questionnaires specific to study protocols for evaluation and documentation.
• Assists with sponsor monitor visits.
• Assists with UAMS or sponsor IRB submission, modifications, and annual renewals.
• Assists in the preparation and submission of grant proposals and reports any problems to the principal investigators.
• Reviews literature for related research developments and compiles findings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
• Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees