Clinical Research Assistant I, Neurology Department - Dr. Vernino Lab

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!

Why Neurology at UT Southwestern?

The Department of Neurology at UT Southwestern Medical Center is a nationally recognized leader in the comprehensive management of neurological conditions. Our vibrant department comprises more than 75 full-time faculty in 12 subspecialty sections, supporting a spectrum of complex and innovative approaches to neurological care, a broad range of novel research programs, and a panoply of educational opportunities for trainees. The department offers access to the latest innovative treatments in one of the most rapidly advancing fields of medicine and features an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center and a Level-4 NEAC Epilepsy Center. Through collaborations with the O’Donnell Brain Institute, the department is building state-of-the art facilities for drug and device testing and bringing current and new faculty together for collaborative research on brain disease therapy Departmental Job Description

The Clinical Research Assistant will support clinical research activities in the autonomic disorders section (Vernino's Lab) while working closely with one or more clinical research coordinators. Clinical research involves interacting with patients who are part of IRB-approved research or who are considering joining such studies.

• Under the direction of the principal investigator(s) and study coordinator(s), the research assistant will have the following duties
• Contact patients who have either been referred for research or have expressed an interest in research, explain the research studies to the patient, and help to schedule screening visits.
• Collect data directly from the research participants or from their medical records and assist participants with completing research questionnaires following the research study protocols
• Enter and verify data in secure online research databases

• Assist the study coordinators by processing and transporting research samples, escorting study participants to research procedures or other research study activities.

JOB SUMMARY
Works under the direction of an Investigator(s) with general supervision, to primarily provide ongoing data management for local and national research studies. May coordinate observational (non-treatment) studies.

BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Required

• Education
  High School Diploma or GED
  

Preferred

• Licenses and Certifications
  (BLS) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT may be required based on research study protocols or affiliate location requirements.
  (CPRAED) CPR AED may be required based on affiliate location requirements
  

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferable in a science field
• Computer skills including Office suite and ability to learn new computer applications
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with patients of diverse backgrounds
• Ability to multitask and work on several projects simultaneously
• Excellent customer service skills

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
  

JOB DUTIES

May perform some or all of the following based on research study:

• Enters data into case report forms or other data collection system based on research study.
• Assists with maintenance of study level documentation.
• Assists with data queries and possible edits for accuracy.
• Compiles data for regulatory requirements and /or deadlines for local or sponsor submissions.
• Maintains existing databases and ensures data integrity.
• Understands visit schedules, inclusion/exclusion criteria and protocol requirements for routine and low complexity trials (e.g., questionnaire, data registry, scripted); schedules research visits. Assists research staff by completing research protocol related tasks.
• Assists with preparing annual reports and/or modifications to institutional review board (IRB). This may include reportable events (UPIRSO).
• Reviews and abstracts information from medical records including eligibility criteria.
• Recruits and enrolls patients in research study that may include consenting patients after training and with supervision.
• Assists with ordering and maintaining research supplies following university/department procedures, ensuring that equipment is in good working order.
• With adequate training and supervision, assists with collecting and processing specimens following established procedures/protocols.
• Assists in preparing studies for closeout, (e.g. packing files, documenting files for storage, shipping extra supplies back to sponsor).
• With adequate training/credentialing and supervision, performs study procedures such as phlebotomy, vital signs, and EKG's needed for research study.
• Based on research study, other procedures/equipment/services may be required. Duties performed may include one or more of the following core functions: a) Directly interacting with or caring for patients; b) Directly interacting with or caring for human-subjects research participants; c) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting patient records (including patient financial records); or d) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting human-subjects research records.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT

Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.