Research Assistant 2 (one year term position)

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 $19.41 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

Working full time under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 supports a large, IRB approved research study focused on patients with advanced cancer and their informal caregivers conducted at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and affiliated community locations. The position is responsible for recruiting eligible research participants, administering study protocols, and collecting longitudinal study data through direct interaction with patient and caregiver subjects. This role collaborates closely with the research team to screen electronic medical records, ensure human subjects¿ compliance, communicate with clinical staff, and address data collection issues that arise in the clinical setting. Through accurate data collection and contribution to study procedures, research assistant supports the successful execution of study activities to ensure accurate and complete data collection related to patients with advanced cancer and their informal caregivers. This is a 1-year assignment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans. Plan and carry out research activities in accordance with established study plans and IRB-approved protocols to ensure accurate and timely data collection by reviewing electronic medical records to determine subject eligibility, scheduling and conducting patient and caregiver interviews at defined time points over a 12-month period, monitoring upcoming data collection milestones, and ensuring the reliability and functionality of research equipment (iPads) used for data capture, following guidance from the principal investigator and project manager. (40%)
• Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. The Research Assistant will be responsible for communicating with clinical staff at the data collection site, assure human subjects¿ compliance, and address problems that may occur. In addition to collecting data specifically related to addressing the scientific questions of the study, the research assistant will monitor reasons for subject drop out or disengagement, questions that are asked by study participants regarding study surveys, and barriers to data collection that may occur within the outpatient hospital setting. This information is key to the successful collection of data as well as completion of the study. (20%)
• Collect and analyze data. As referenced in item above, the research assistant will interview patient/caregiver days days for the purpose of collecting data. The research assistant will also monitor when participants are due for their next data collection time point and will make the necessary arrangements for collecting data from both the patient and their caregiver. The research assistant will also be involved in conducting basic data analysis needed for routine reports for team meetings, reports, or data and safety monitoring meetings. These analyses will involve frequencies and percentages and will be used by the principal investigator. (20%)
• May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. The Research assistant will participate in team meetings and provide insights and feedback to the study team that may impact on the need to revise data collection techniques of other study procedures. The research assistant may assist in developing these improved procedures if needed. (7%)
• Train new staff; direct the work of students. The research assistant may work in conjunction with the project manager in the training of new staff and/or students. In addition, they can direct some of the work of students as instructed by the project manager. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversee inventory which includes ensuring the availability and reliability of research data collection equipment by tracking, maintaining, and monitoring study-assigned iPads used for participant interviews, confirming equipment functionality prior to use, and coordinating replacements or troubleshooting issues as needed to support timely and accurate data collection. (1%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous contact with the principal investigator, co-investigators, project manager and other research team members 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: Regular contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. In conjunction with the project manager, they may train new staff and/or direct the work of students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelors degree in science and 1 to 3 years of research related experience involving human participants; or Associates degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of research related experience required. Must be certified for the protection of human subjects within 30 days of hiring. Valid drivers license is required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Has knowledge and understanding of commonly-used practices (medical terminology) within the field of medicine and/or nursing.
• Utilizes pre-established study protocols and specific research instructions to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, hospital staff, patients and their families face-to-face using excellent social and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to demonstrate 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.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to operate the research equipment (use iPads, familiarity with REDCap and EPIC research and medical programs).
• Willingness to learn and work with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

No exposure to hazardous materials. Must have reliable form of transportation for travel to study. Must be able to be on their feet walking several hours a day between various hospital sites.

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 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 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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