Research Physical Therapist- SCI

Shepherd Center•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The Research Physical Therapist provides specialty physical therapy care to research participants while balancing participant care with fidelity to research protocols. The role serves participants in inpatient and outpatient settings and participates in research protocol development and implementation, data management and analysis, presentations, and manuscript preparation and publication. The therapist collaborates with principal investigators and other internal and external partners, supports regulatory compliance, and contributes clinical expertise to research studies focused on neurological populations, including spinal cord injury.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program.
Licensed to practice as a Physical Therapist in Georgia.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Three years of experience working with a neurological patient population.
Experience with basic mobility training, including transfers, and gait training.
Experience performing the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III), mobility and gait measures (10 MWT, 6MinWT, TUG, and 25 Foot Walk Test), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensation and Prehension (GRASSP), and patient-reported outcomes.
Successfully complete orientation and initial competency assessment by the assigned due date.
Complete mandatory education and annual competency assessments by assigned due dates.
Complete Human Subject Protection and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) training.
Able to transfer and position patients, including lifting up to 60 pounds.
Able to perform repetitive lifting, moving, squatting, kneeling, and crawling.

Nice To Haves

Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP).
ABPTS-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS).
Clinical research experience.

Responsibilities

Manage clinical aspects of assigned research studies in collaboration with the principal investigator.
Conduct consent discussions and obtain informed consent from participants or their Legally Authorized Representatives, independently or with the investigator.
Provide competent, compassionate physical therapy care based on scientific principles and clinical judgment.
Perform functional, motor, sensory, and other physical assessments, interventions, and clinical procedures.
Prioritize and take action to maintain participant safety; monitor outcomes for adverse reactions and report participant status to investigators.
Review medical records, collect data, document in participant medical records, and enter data into study capture systems.
Prepare data for transmission to sponsors or collaborators and for publication.
Follow participants from recruitment through research engagement, treatment, discharge, and follow-up.
Manage research funds for assigned projects in conjunction with the Director.
Assess educational needs and develop and deliver educational programs and materials for participants, caregivers, and staff.
Mentor clinical and research staff as a protocol and participant expert.
Develop systems and documents needed to implement complex protocols.
Collaborate with internal departments to facilitate protocol implementation and minimize effects on clinical operations.
Understand and comply with research regulations.
Prepare for and attend investigator meetings, sponsor monitoring sessions, site audits, and inspections, and ensure follow-up actions are resolved.
Communicate with Institutional Review Boards and manage submissions; maintain regulatory documents for assigned studies.
Develop working relationships and communicate with study sponsors, collaborating medical centers, and academic institutions.
Advise on clinical outcome measures and physical interventions based on the target population and study aims.
Coordinate and present educational and center promotional programs representing the institution and research program.
Follow safety techniques and policies; report injuries, accidents, and other safety issues through the required channels.
Monitor compliance with regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and applicable policies and procedures; identify risks and support their resolution.