Clinical Research Specialist

The Division of Transplant Surgery at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) are currently seeking a FULL-TIME Clinical Research Specialist to join their fast-paced, high-reward clinical research team.

The University of Maryland organ transplant center is one of the largest in the United States, performing more than 400 transplants per year, including 300 kidneys, 80 livers, 20 pancreas, and 45 thoracic transplants. The clinical center receives more than 1,500 new patient referrals each year and follows more than 4,800 patients who have been transplanted over the last two decades, as well as more than 1,400 patients on the organ transplant waiting lists.
Our leaders hold national and international prominence in their fields and have translated their discoveries into clinical management guidelines. We are one of only two transplant centers serving more than 5 million people in Maryland.

The position is responsible for assisting with coordinating the day-to-day operations of one or more research studies or clinical trial protocols. The position coordinates data collection and maintenance, project evaluation, meeting scheduling, and research subject interfacing. The Clinical Research Project Assistant adheres to good clinical practices, study protocols, and applicable regulations, conducts complex work, contributes to measurable team objectives, and uses discretion to solve issues. The position will work in the Division of Transplant Surgery at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine. The division of Transplant Surgery is located within the School of Medicine at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and maintains a large research portfolio involving the heart, lung, liver, kidney, and pancreas.

BENEFITS (Exempt Regular):

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 16 paid holidays, 3 personal leave days, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Performs as a single specialist in a clinical setting who is responsible for providing technical expertise to research programs and projects overseeing clinical research activities. The position develops, recommends, modifies, and implements policies and procedures for clinical research, as well as develop protocol manuals and data collection instruments. This position significantly contributes to the conduct of research.
• Coordinates the preparation of Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) protocol development and ensure compliance of research operations with protocols. Coordinates developing and recommending policies and procedures and/or design methods for clinical research activities.
  
  • Manages interaction with subject participants including eligibility screening, recruitment, enrollment, ensuring informed consent is properly secured and documented, counseling, and obtaining patient medical history. May obtain tissue and blood samples as necessary and collects information through interviews, questionnaires, test results, and charts.
• Establishes and maintains database files and reports using computer applications such as Microsoft Excel/Access. Perform data checks, audits, and data cleaning. Check validity and accuracy of data ensuring compliance with quality control requirements and study relevance.
• Performs clinical research activities including advanced data analysis using statistical software such as SAS, SPSS, and R; data management (collection, entry, verification); data interpretation, and ensures compliance and clinical relevance of data. May develop data collection instruments such as survey questionnaires.
• Maintains communication with participants and colleagues regarding protocol specific information and research orders. Provides assessments and ensure protocol compliance while participants are in a study.
• Serves as liaison to other departments such as IRB or CCT, outside organizations, government agencies, and product representatives to promote effective and efficient operation and use of resources.
• Oversees and coordinates the day to day clinical research operations, study initiation, execution, and completion. Assist in the design and provide expert recommendation regarding research studies. Oversees interaction with subject participants including eligibility screening, recruitment, enrollment, ensuring informed consent is properly secured and documented, counseling, and obtaining patient medical history.
• May provide working coordination and feedback to others
• Performs day-to-day operational duties such as: monitoring the budget; budget negotiation and review, ensuring quality control and safety compliance; serving as liaison with IRB, submitting invoicing, develops policies, procedures, and/or methods for laboratory experimentation; and ordering supplies.
• Searches relevant literature, develops conclusions on research findings, writes reports, prepare and deliver presentations of relevant findings and conclusions, and recommends appropriate actions. May conduct library research and contributes to the preparation and writing of research findings for publication of journal articles and grant proposals.
• Provides training to less experienced researchers; assisting in developing and submitting grants, papers, abstracts, manuscripts and presenting studies; developing protocol manuals and data collection instruments; participating in field visits, responding to requests and questions from individuals, institutions, government agencies, and funding agencies; and participating in the design of research studies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree in a scientific field of study related to the research of the clinical setting.

Experience: Three (3) years clinical research including two (2) years in the relevant research specialization.

Supervisory Experience: N/A

Certification/Licensure: N/A

Other: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

Knowledge of position requirements. Knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws. Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems. Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently. Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

HIRING RANGE: $64,000 - $75,000 per year / Commensurate with education and experience

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact leave_and_accom@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.