Research Assistant 1 (1 year term)

Salary Grade

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $17.65 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

This is a 1-year assignment, working full-time under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 is responsible for recruitment of potential research subjects and collection of data for a large research project focused on patients with advanced cancer and their informal caregivers. This study is in accordance with an Institutional Review Board (IRB) -approved research protocol at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center main campus and potentially University Hospitals satellite community locations in the Cleveland area. In collaboration with the research team, the research assistant will screen electronic medical records to determine subject eligibility, will be responsible for administering study protocols, and will meet with patient/caregiver subjects to collect study data. The research assistant may also work on other research projects related to the current cancer study. The research assistant will contribute to the study's goals by reviewing patient data to determine eligibility and collect data from enrolled study participants (patient-caregiver days).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform research work in medical and related technical areas involving the use of lab/research skills. Carry out research protocols according to specific instructions as outlined by principal investigator and project manager. Specifically, the research assistant will read electronic medical records of patients being seen in the outpatient oncology clinic and determine which patients meet study eligibility criteria. In addition, this person will meet with patient/caregiver subjects to discuss the study and collect data. (40%)
• Conduct analysis of samples/data. Carry out systematic analysis and review of screening data from chart abstraction to determine eligibility status of potential subjects. The research assistant will record the number of potential patient subjects who were screened for eligibility and the number who met eligibility criteria. This information will be assessed using frequencies and percentages and is used by the principal investigator to compare the expected number of potential subjects against the actual number of potential subjects (20%)
• Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments. Systematically record results from analysis of screening reviews and data collection obtained. The research assistant will track the number of subjects who complete data collection at each time point and will also provide data regarding the number of subjects who drop out of the study over the study period. This information is used by the principal investigator to assess sample size over the study period to ensure that enrollment benchmarks are being met, the sample size is progressing as planned, and evaluate the amount of missing data that will be anticipated for statistical analysis (10%)
• Maintain records of experiments. Following research protocols, record outcomes of all screening and data collection activities. The research assistant will enter information regarding potential subjects to be seen in REDCap and will record data collection activities in REDCap. This information is used to ensure that all members of the research team are aware of all scheduled interviews in order to conduct the interviews in a timely manner (15%)
• Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Ensure reliability of all equipment (iPads) used for obtaining research participant data. (6%)
• Order laboratory supplies. Under the supervision of the project manager, track quantities of research supplies as requested to ensure timely ordering of supplies needed to conduct all study protocols. Supplies that they may be tracking and ordering are: postage stamps, University stationary, research study pens, and office supplies (6%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (3%)

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous contact with the principal investigator and project manager to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University: Infrequent contact with other departments to share information about the research study.

External: Continuous contact with medical and nursing staff at University Hospitals of Cleveland Medical Center to exchange information.

Students: Infrequent contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in science and 0 to 1 year of research experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required. Must be certified for the protection of human subjects within 30 days of hiring. University Hospitals credentialling preferred. Valid Ohio driver's license is preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Has knowledge and understanding of commonly used practices (medical terminology) within the field of medicine and nursing.
• Relies on specific research instructions and pre-established study protocols/guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate the research equipment (use iPads, familiarity with REDcap and EPIC research and medical programs).
• Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Willingness to learn and utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, hospital staff, patients and their families face-to-face using excellent social and interpersonal skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions include a hospital-based environment with no exposure to hazardous materials. The position requires reliable transportation for travel to the study site(s) and involves prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the workday in a hospital environment.

This position is not eligible for remote work. This position will require an on-campus presence. Must be available Monday through Friday generally from the hours of 8:30 am to 5:00 pm for participant data collection.

Term Position

This is a Term position. They are treated like regular staff positions for medical and dental benefits eligibility, vacation, holidays, and sick time. Term employees are not eligible for life insurance, retirement, long term disability, short term disability, tuition assistance, layoff status, or severance pay. Staff in term positions are also subject to the performance management review process and positive corrective action when work performance or behavior is unsatisfactory or unacceptable. Term employment does not alter the employment-at-will employee status of these employees.

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EEO Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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