Research Associate

Oregon Health & Science University•Portland, OR

About The Position

OHSU Occupational Health is an integrated clinical service supporting the health, safety, and occupational fitness of OHSU employees, trainees, and visiting scholars. It also operates as a clinical research site, conducting studies in infectious diseases, vaccinology, immune responses, and biomarker evaluation. The Research Associate contributes to the university’s teaching, research, patient care, outreach, and public service missions through epidemiological research, intervention studies, experimental design, and analysis of human disease, prevention, and treatments. Studies include multi-site human trials and smaller pilot studies. The appointee performs complex research work, providing expertise in study design and the management and evaluation of protocols, methodologies, and Standard Operating Procedures. Duties include implementing health status questionnaires; recruiting and working with research participants; conducting study visits and procedures; collecting, processing, and analyzing samples and data; and maintaining study and regulatory records. The role also involves communicating research findings, preparing scientific publications and presentations, and writing grant applications. The Research Associate works directly under a Principal Investigator while making independent decisions in support of research objectives and grant commitments. The role provides functional guidance and mentoring to junior staff, supervises routine research procedures, and takes responsibility for designated project components. Participant interactions are strictly research-related and do not involve medical diagnosis or treatment.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a relevant field and 3 years of relevant experience, or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 5 years of relevant experience.
Strong organizational, time-management, and writing skills.
Professional and personable communication style.
Ability to work as part of a team in a collegial environment.
Ability to lift 30 pounds with the assistance of tools such as hand trucks.
Evening, weekend, and shiftwork hours may be required as needed.

Nice To Haves

PhD, MD, or related health sciences degree.
Familiarity with IRB protocol development and modifications.
Prior contributions to peer-reviewed research publications.
Three to five years of clinical research coordination experience, depending on education level.
Experience with data processing and validation and analysis of longitudinal datasets.
Demonstrated academic writing, proofreading, and presentation experience.
Intervention development or evaluation experience.
Experience with computer software applications, including Microsoft Office.
Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Strong critical-thinking and research skills, including experimental design, troubleshooting, and analysis.
Competence in statistical data analysis techniques and familiarity with statistical software platforms.
Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
Strong academic writing experience, including published work.
Training in responsible conduct of research and Good Clinical Practice.

Responsibilities

Plan and direct studies investigating human disease, preventive methods, and treatments.
Design, manage, and evaluate study protocols, health status questionnaires, sample selection, and analysis approaches.
Evaluate and select new studies and coordinate applications, capacity assessments, and site coordination.
Oversee and perform research subject recruitment, screening, scheduling, consent, and research services.
Conduct study visits in collaboration with investigators and study staff; perform blood draws, process and ship samples, and complete protocol-required procedures and tests.
Coordinate hospital services required by study protocols and complete case report forms and sponsor-query responses accurately and on time.
Oversee and perform the recording, storage, cleaning, and management of research data; use structured query language and good data practices to analyze longitudinal datasets.
Track study implementation and participant visits and maintain regulatory compliance documents.
Prepare, submit, and follow up on regulatory documents for the Institutional Review Board, including initial submissions, annual reviews, modifications, and reportable information.
Prepare, schedule, and conduct site monitoring visits with sponsor representatives and federal agencies.
Address and report adverse events, protocol deviations, and unanticipated problems in accordance with Good Clinical Practice and HIPAA guidelines.
Write articles for professional journals, prepare and deliver scientific presentations, and write grant applications for epidemiologic research.
Assist with interpretation, presentation, and dissemination of research data.
Serve as the primary point of contact for the Occupational Health research division and coordinate communications with intramural collaborators and service groups.
Participate in clinical trial meetings and provide updated study information as appropriate.
Communicate with study subjects, sponsors, contract research organization representatives, investigators, and the OHSU Institutional Review Board.
Communicate research findings to health practitioners, policy makers, and the public; educate healthcare workers, patients, and the public about infectious and communicable diseases, transmission, and prevention.
Provide functional guidance and mentorship to junior staff and daily supervision of research staff performing routine procedures.
Assume responsibility for assigned research project components, seek advice as necessary, and perform other duties related to successful operation of the research unit.