Clinical Research Assistant I

Job Title: Research Assistant I

Location: Minneapolis VA Medical Center

Job Code: Research Assistant, Full Time, Benefit Eligible, Non-Exempt

PI:

Project:

Summary:

The Center for Veterans Research and Education (CVRE), whose mission is helping to support

innovative research and education initiatives that improve the health and well-being of Veterans, is

seeking a Research Assistant.

Position Description:

The Research Assistant is responsible for assisting the Principal Investigator with the conduct of preparatory work for a planned grant submission focused on improving addiction care for Veterans. This work will include the conduct of qualitative interviews and focus groups, literature reviews, and collection of other preliminary data for the grant proposal, as well as preparation of IRB submissions and coordination of team meetings.

Responsibilities:

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Review and extract data from medical records.
• Make reminder calls to participants to complete survey assessments. Organize follow-up assessment mailings.
• Prepare assessment mailings, log returned assessments into study database, scan and verify assessment data into study databases.
• Assist in data cleaning.
• Coordinate and track participant payments.
• Perform administrative functions including meeting planning, setting up conference calls, maintaining written correspondence, and transcribing memoranda.
• Provide local site support by fielding study questions from the coordinator chat and emails and training new staff on specific procedures.
• Develop and distribute study site staff newsletters to promote connection to study.
• Perform administrative functions including meeting minutes, reviewing, and editing meeting minutes, distributing Standard Operating Procedure e-binder updates and maintain version tracking log.
• Provide support for stakeholder engagement activities.
• Independently maintain and organize records and files.
• May occasionally be asked to support local site recruitment and retention including screen potential subjects via telephone, schedule assessments, communicate with local investigator and therapists, track active participants to adhere to study protocol.
• Assist in manuscript preparation as needed (i.e., literature searches and table preparation).
• Maintain professional clearances/human studies training to be fully qualified to work with sensitive data as promulgated by the IRB, HIPAA, VHA, and other regulatory agencies.

• Manage, organize, and coordinate administrative aspects of the MADE Program, including but not limited to making travel arrangements and preparing vouchers; submitting work orders/maintenance requests; ordering supplies and maintaining inventory; monitoring project finances and budgets; scheduling of rooms and conference calls.
• Communicate with Principal Investigator(s) and study team on a regular basis
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Applicant must include a cover letter

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s (BA/BS) or above from an accredited college or university in

public health, sociology, psychology, or related allied health field

Experience: 0-2 years of experience required for CRA I

Licensure/Registration/Certification: None

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research Assistant experience dealing with data collection and data storage, human subject studies, and institutional review board processes.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practices, human subjects’ protections, and federal regulations related to clinical research.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic experience with trouble-shooting devices and software settings.
• Experience in coordinating multiple task and project elements with differing timelines and completion deadlines.
• Familiarity with REDCap is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Conditions of Employment:

• Subject to a criminal and educational background check.
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.
• Typical hours fall within standard business hours, work may be required during hours beyond standard business hours, including weekends.
• Must be a US citizen

Physical Requirements: The employee must be able to navigate the medical center, use a keyboard, and lift 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodation may be considered in determining an applicant’s ability to perform the duties/functions of the position.