Recruitment Research Assistant, Division of Epidemiology, School of Population Health

The Division of Epidemiology is seeking a Recruitment Research Assistant to work closely with the Clinical Research Coordinator and the study team to identify and help to enroll eligible patients for a federally funded study of colorectal cancer screening. The study involves recruitment of human subjects, collection of personal monitoring (sleep, actigraphy, heart rate), and collection of human biospecimens.

In addition to excellent administrative and interpersonal communication skills, the position requires an understanding of regulatory requirements for human research protection, the ability to coordinate staff, and experience with recordkeeping, scheduling, report preparation, and related research activities. The Research Assistant will maintain frequent contact with the Clinical Research Coordinator, clinical collaborators, Principal Investigator (PI), study staff, and study participants at multiple locations.

Duties and responsibilities include:
• Establishing a keen understanding of the scheduling and clinical flow of patients for colonoscopy screening
• Screening referrals for eligibility and making initial contact with patients to ascertain their interest in study participation
• Coordinating patient communications including emails, phone calls, and letters.
• Scheduling participant study visits, coordinating data collection events and assisting with data collection
• Equipment and sample pick-up/drop-off, data entry, and validation (mileage will be reimbursed)
• Help coordinate and track the delivery of supplies and biospecimens to/from the clinics and laboratory/biorepository
• Processing of samples in a lab environment and tracking samples through a tracking database
• Assisting with ongoing medical record abstraction and database development
• Interfacing with core staff and study participants to perform quality control checks to ensure that there are no unanticipated missing entries in the project documentation
• Establishing excellent rapport with each clinical site and interfacing to ensure clear and consistent communication between the project staff and each clinic
• Act as a liaison between the project and the clinical sites, and meet with clinical sites as necessary to troubleshoot any emergent issues in consultation with the Clinical Research Coordinator, PI, and study team

The Recruitment Research Assistant will be expected to use their discretion in deciding how to allocate time and effort subject to approval and oversight by the Clinical Research Coordinator and Principal Investigator.

Minimum Requirements:
• Some experience or post high-school education in biology, public health, medicine, nursing, or other allied health field
• Reliable transportation to drive to recruitment and study visit sites on campus and within the greater Richmond area (mileage reimbursement provided)
• Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Willingness to work in a team setting and openness to learning new skills
• Excellent interpersonal, customer or patient-related communication skills

• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Candidates with a completed undergraduate degree or patient-facing experience in a clinical setting will be given preference.

Preferred Candidates will also have one or more of the following: clinical experience, a completed undergraduate degree; good working knowledge of one or more database management software packages; experience collaborating with individuals of a wide range of backgrounds, including research scientists, administrators, clinicians, clinical staff, service providers, and contractors, university students, and participants of all backgrounds; excellent communication skills (both written and oral,); the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; keen attention to detail and excellent organization skills; the ability to anticipate problems and be proactive in seeking solutions; and the ability to multitask and manage priorities to meet or beat given deadlines.

This position will remain open until filled.

This is a restricted position with no set end date and continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance. A cover letter is required to be submitted with your application.

ORP Eligible: No
University Job Code: Clinical Research Assistant 1-3

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

The School of Population Health continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.