Clinical Trials Assistant Position @ Institute for Medical Research

The Institute for Medical Research (IMR), an affiliate of the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS), is looking for a full-time Clinical Trials Assistant I - Clinic to be involved in the implementation and execution of a variety of clinical research projects conducted by the Principal Investigator, Dr. Stephen Freedland, and associates in his urology research lab. This includes the recruitment and enrollment of research study patients, specimen collection, and data collection from medical records and questionnaires. These multiple functions require a significant degree of flexibility and independence to complete complex tasks.

This position is ideal for a highly motivated individual who may be taking time off between degrees. In this position, you will work with a highly productive and dynamic team of MDs, PhDs, and research scientists at a high-tier medical institution. The Clinical Trials Assistant will gain considerable knowledge of clinical research methods, cancer biology, and urology. Clinical Trials Assistants may have the opportunity to shadow in the OR.  

This position is primarily in-office and is located in Durham, North Carolina. Candidates will be asked to relocate upon acceptance of an offer if they are not already local.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review CPRS (Computerized Patient Record System) patient charts to screen for possible subjects and to compile data
• Perform tasks to ensure smooth clinic flow including organization of supplies, preparation of paperwork, and communication with study and clinical staff
• Recruit and consent research participants for various clinical trials and research projects
• Trouble-shoot and modify protocol implementation when necessary
• Obtain various measurements from participants including vital signs and waist and hip circumference
• Attend phlebotomy training courses and perform blood draws/procedures as directed by the study protocol
• Collect, process, and prepare specimens for shipment
• Assist with specimen organization, storage, and laboratory equipment maintenance
• Assist in the collection and management of clinical data and collection of source documents
• Maintain study databases and other study-related spreadsheets
• Communicate diplomatically and professionally with administration, faculty, clinical and lab personnel, subjects, and other study team members
• Work effectively with Veteran populations and maintain patient confidentiality
• Work effectively and efficiently as part of a team
• Adhere to all safety and compliance regulations and internal standards of procedure

Required Skills and Experience:
Requires an organized, task oriented, deadline-sensitive individual with a minimum of bachelor’s degree. This position requires an organized, task oriented, deadline-sensitive individual. Applicants must deal diplomatically and professionally with administration, faculty, clinical and lab personnel, and subjects. Demonstrated leadership, professional initiative and teamwork abilities are required. This position requires an applicant who is comfortable with processing human specimens such as blood, urine, and feces; in addition, undergoing phlebotomy training.  Basic computer skills are required and familiarity with MS Excel and MS word  are preferred. Prior experience with clinical research, lab work (specifically DNA extraction), FDA regulations, HIPAA considerations, and consenting process is preferred.

Applicants must have the ability to: work independently in a fast-paced environment, prioritize and manage the workflow of multiple projects, sit for long periods in front of computers, stand for long periods, must be able to occasionally lift, pull, and push a minimum of 25 pounds, and be fluent in English.

Candidates must be available to work in-office Monday-Friday with the option to work up to one day remote per week. 

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements and activities that are required to perform the essential functions of the position include, but may not be limited to, as follows:  Must be able to occasionally lift, pull and push a minimum of 25 lbs, stand for extended periods of time, sit for extended periods of time, squat, kneel, and stoop, regularly use fingers, hands for computer work.

The prior statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Rate of Pay: $22.00 per hour