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Description
The Research Coordinator Assistant (RCA) assists in the daily activities of clinical research studies and clinic operations. This role involves working closely with clinical teams, investigators, and study participants to ensure that all required procedures and visits occur according to protocol-specific guidelines.
Role Focus & Flexibility:
The RCA is a flexible role that may be focused on supporting one or more areas of the clinic - such as patient screening, specimen collection and processing, study coordination support, or community engagement - based on the needs of the business. Focus assignments are determined by clinic leadership and are subject to change as study activity and operational priorities evolve. Regardless of assigned focus, the RCA is expected to maintain familiarity with the full scope of responsibilities below and to transition between areas as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
Depending on the RCA's assigned area(s) of focus, key responsibilities may include:
- Study Familiarization: Thoroughly understand assigned studies by reading protocols, attending start-up meetings, and coordinating with the Principal Investigator and study team.
- Protocol Adherence: Ensure strict adherence to study protocols and obtain exemptions when applicable.
- Specimen Collection & Processing: Collect, process, and ship laboratory samples in accordance with study requirements.
- Patient Screening & Qualification: Collect initial psychiatric and medical information through patient interviews and access appropriate sources to qualify and accurately place patients in enrolling clinical trials.
- Study Coordination Support: Assist Clinical Research Coordinators in trial-related organization and documentation, including filing and maintaining regulatory records.
- Communication & Reporting: Communicate protocol issues to the study team, Site Administrator, Principal Investigator (PI), or Sub-Investigator as needed.
- Clinical Tasks: Perform clinical tasks such as vital signs measurement, height and weight recording, ECG administration, phlebotomy, and specimen packaging.
- Documentation & Compliance: Maintain timely source documentation and ensure compliance with sponsor-required information.
- Patient Education: Educate patients and their families about study participation and clinical drug trials in general.
- Community Engagement: Assist in community outreach events and provide appropriate community resource referrals to patients, caretakers, and family members when applicable.
- Additional Duties: Perform ad-hoc tasks and assist in other study-related activities as needed.
Additional Responsibilities:
This job description outlines the primary responsibilities of the Research Coordinator Assistant; however, additional duties may be assigned as needed to support the research program or the operational needs of the organization. These additional responsibilities are not limited to the above and may evolve over time based on study requirements or business needs. The RCA's assigned area(s) of focus may likewise be adjusted or reassigned at any time at the discretion of clinic leadership.
Requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Communication: Ability to communicate effectively (both written and oral) with patients, study teams, and external stakeholders.
- Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills to engage with study participants and colleagues.
- Organizational Skills: Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and maintain documentation.
- Adaptability: Willingness and ability to shift focus between areas of the clinic and take on new responsibilities as business needs change.
- Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office software required; knowledge of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems preferred.
- Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in maintaining documentation and following protocol guidelines.
- Team Collaboration: Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive participant data while adhering to ethical and regulatory guidelines.
Required Experience and Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor's degree preferred.
- Experience: Previous experience in a healthcare or clinical research setting is a plus.
- Clinical Trials Knowledge: Previous exposure to clinical trials is preferred but not required.
This role is ideal for someone detail-oriented, organized, adaptable, and eager to support clinical research in advancing medical knowledge and patient care.