Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 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 location. This position is responsible for administering and coordinating study protocols, collecting longitudinal study data through direct interaction with patient and caregiver subjects, assure human subjects' compliance, supervise students, and performing data cleaning protocols. This position supports a federally funded research study and directly contributes to the successful execution and oversight of accurate data collection and data management related to patients with advanced cancer and their informal caregivers. This is a 1-year term position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Plan (with limited oversight) research activities in accordance with established research and IRB-approved protocols to ensure accurate and timely data collection. Review electronic medical records to determine subject eligibility, subject clinical status, outpatient clinic scheduling, and conduct highly sensitive patient and caregiver interviews focused on end-of-life decision making. Data collection occurs at regular intervals over a 12-month period and requires ongoing monitoring of upcoming data collection milestones, ongoing assessment of subject eligibility, as well as ensuring reliability and functionality of all research equipment (iPads) used for data capture, under limited supervision. (30%)
Work closely with the principal investigator to assist with complex data management, data cleaning, and data collection activities. Coordinate research activities related to chart abstraction and subject and caregiver interviews. (25%)
Provide ongoing reports to the principal investigator regarding the status of all data management and cleaning activities. Using a high degree of skill and training, identify data entry and/or data management issues and devise new protocols and techniques, if needed, for data collection, entry, and management by employing new and innovative research techniques such as evaluating accuracy of data entry and inter-rater reliability. May co-author research projects. (10%) 
Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyzes data. Analyze study data to assess accuracy of data input, identify outlier outputs, and use a high degree of skill and training to evaluate data processes that contribute to data entry errors or inconsistencies. (10%)
Provide day-to-day direction, training and oversight to student employees and research assistants assigned to the study. May assist with onboarding, assigning work, monitoring performance and ensuring adherence to research protocols. (10%)
May monitor the study budget and assist in budget-related activities. Will assist the project manager in monthly monitoring of the study budget and work with the principal investigator and project manager in budget reconciliation activities. Will also assist the project manager in maintaining all records related to distribution of gift cards given to study participants who participate in providing study data. (10%)
 

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Must maintain required certifications for protection of human subjects. Complete yearly research credentialing (Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals). (2%)
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 accurate data collection. (2%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)
 

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous contact with principal investigator, co-investigators, project managers, research staff and other research team members to coordinate daily research operations, discuss participant recruitment and enrollment, review study progress, resolve operational issues, assign research activities, ensure protocol compliance and maintain workflow.  

University: Occasional contact with Institutional Review Board (IRB), Office of Research Administration, School of Nursing faculty and Staff, School of Medicine departments and other university offices as needed to coordinate protocol approvals and amendments, regulatory compliance, study administration, training requirements and collaboration with university departments supporting the research study.

External: Continuous contact with University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center physicians, nurses, clinic staff, research participants, caregivers/family members and affiliated clinical partners to recruit and schedule participants, obtain informed consent, coordinate study visits, collect research data, communicate study requirements, answer participant questions and facilitate collaboration with clinical staff to support research activities. 

Students: Regular contact with graduate research assistants, student employees, interns and trainees assigned to the research study to provide day-to-day direction, assign research activities, train students on study procedures and research protocols, monitor work assignments and provide guidance to ensure quality and compliance with study requirements.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY 

May supervise students and technicians.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience: 3 to 5 years of research-related experience involving human participants required.

Education/Licensing: Bachelor's degree in science required; Master's degree preferred. Must be certified for the protection of human subjects within 30 days of hiring. Valid driver's license is required. 

REQUIRED SKILLS

Has knowledge and understanding of commonly-used practices (medical terminology) within the field of medicine and/or nursing.
Has knowledge and experience in basic data analysis and associated programs (e.g. excel, SPSS, or SAS).
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.
Willingness to learn and work with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
Ability to operate the research equipment (use iPads, familiarity with REDCap and EPIC research and medical programs).
 

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.