Research Assistant

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Research, the Research Assistant will assist in organizing and implementing clinical and socio-behavioral research trial opportunities in appropriate health centers across the Affiliate. This includes, but not limited to, subject recruitment, informed consent, inventory, data entry, and specimen collection.

Essential Functions

Coordinate multiple requests for PPIL’s participation in various Clinical Research Studies

Coordinate research implementation, including

Create and monitor study charts and patient medical charts Educate and update health center staff on specific protocol, recruitment strategies and goals, and all essentials as they pertain to a specific study Monitor staff adherence to protocol, including appropriate subject consent, data collection, and transcription of information onto appropriate research documents Provide timely and accurate follow up with each individual study participant to ensure proper data is received Document protocol violations Recruit patients for study participation and help sites to brainstorm recruitment strategies. Explain the study and provide informed consent to potential study participants. Enroll, consent and schedule subjects. Prepare site study documents for monitoring visits and be available for those monitoring visits, as appropriate. Work with investigators to coordinate collection, tracking, and data preparation for analysis; use spreadsheets and databases to develop and maintain records and create reports. Assist with the planning and implementation of routine research site initiation and/or monitoring visits and audits. Maintain communication with study subjects, and appropriate study personnel, clinic staff and leadership, and clinic staff regarding subjects’ questions and concerns. Serve as a resource for clinic staff and administrative departments regarding research studies (participant eligibility, progress, funding). Communicate information about research studies to other key stakeholders (affiliate health centers, overall organization, etc.). Manage projects such as organizing task and files, developing timelines, gathering materials for meetings, and setting up systems for tracking reporting deadlines. Assist patients in accessing clinic services related to research, including direct calls phone screenings. Perform computer data entry, including patient demographics, insurance information, charge posting and appointment scheduling. Ensure hardcopies made from electronic records or paper records are noted as certified (verified as an accurate copy or representation of the source record) per Standard Operating Procedures. Prepare patient charts, review forms for accuracy and completeness; file charts and process transfer records. Perform basic laboratory tests and other procedures. Prepare exam rooms, perform patient set-up, and obtain and record patient vitals. Conduct basic patient education sessions on clinical care related to research and research processes/procedures. Perform other related duties as assigned. Through these activities demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to PPIL core values of access, activism, care, confidentiality, diversity, excellence, integrity, respect, self-determination, stewardship; practice these values in relations to patients, team members, internal and external customers. Act as an ambassador of PPIL mission and values in your networks and communities

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands and fingers to handle, or feel and reach. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Supervisor

Director of Research

Status

Full time. Non-exempt from the overtime provisions of the wage and salary regulations.

Qualifications

Education

College degree in a related field, as well as and working knowledge of reproductive health and family planning research; familiarity with public health systems at the local, state, and national level.

Experience

1-2 years working in a research position. Experience with research technology and application, including REDCap, electronic IRB submissions, clinical trial patient interactive response platforms, ability to quickly and efficiently adopt new technology skills.

Personal & Professional Qualities

Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work effectively and respond to rigid deadlines. Ability to work independently and under time constraints. Able to balance multiple tasks and changing priorities with an acute attention to detail. Strong interpersonal skills. Excellent communication skills. Ability to communicate with patients, the public, staff, and volunteers in a professional, warm, and sensitive manner. Bi-lingual ability in Spanish is helpful. High energy level, organizational skills and attention to detail required. Willingness to participate in a team approach to health care. Must be willing and able to work a schedule that may include evening and weekend hours, and to work at other PPIL centers if needed.