2025-04-24
University of Pittsburgh
Other
/yr
employee
contract
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
15260
United States
Clinical Research Assistant
Under Faculty or Research Project Manager supervision, accurately performs research projects according to established study design and procedures. This program will be obtaining a variety of biospecimens from women with suspected or confirmed gynecologic cancers as well as healthy women. The incumbent will be expected to track a subject's progress through her course of care. The incumbent will obtain and possibly process the necessary biospecimens at identified time points and places, including the OR, Investigational Radiology, and various clinics throughout UPMC facilities. The incumbent may also screen potential subjects, consent them, possibly draw study bloods, and/or administer study questionnaires. After biospecimens are obtained, the incumbent may have to do some processing before storing the specimens per study protocol. The specimens may also be shipped immediately or at a later time point to the study lab, which is offsite. Incumbent will be responsible for shipping specimens safely to ensure sample integrity. In addition, the incumbent may need to identify and obtain banked specimens, such as pathology specimens, on subjects.
The incumbent will also need to track subjects and specimens in study database and may need to abstract medical record information on subjects/specimens and enter these data into the study database, ensuring accuracy and completeness. The incumbent may need to modify existing databases, sheets, and protocols to address changing needs of study. Finally, the incumbent may need to travel to other study sites to obtain specimens to store in our study freezers prior to shipping, or to deliver specimens to outside affiliate labs. The incumbent is expected to be responsible for the daily activities of studies undertaken as part of this program, including maintaining all logs. The Research Assistant will interact with faculty and staff throughout Pitt and other universities. Attention to detail, accuracy in work, ability to multitask and set priorities, strong written and oral communication skills, excellent analytic skills, and strong interpersonal skill are required. The incumbent is expected function with a high degree of independence.
Experience in a patient and/or clinical and/or service setting is preferred. Preferred Qualifications: attention to detail, accuracy in work, ability to multitask and set priorities, strong written and oral communication skills, function with a high degree of independence, excellent analytic and interpersonal skills, Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, knowledge of RedCap or similar database, excellent record-keeping skills, and demonstrated ability to accurately collect, store, and interpret research data. Demonstrated ability to communicate with patients, staff, and investigators. Knowledge of medical terminologies and coding systems
This position is funded through a five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support an Ovarian Cancer Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE). The award is led by Ronald Buckanovich, MD, PhD, and Robert Edwards, MD.
Conducts research assessments and procedures independently. Oversees operations when leadership is unavailable. Recruits and screens participants, reviews records and surveys, and maintains databases. Performs routine data analysis and prepares reports, data visualizations, and models.
Identify prospective participants, consent, enroll, collect biospecimens, disburse biospecimens to labs, track information, enter data into database, extract data from medical records, extract data from database, maintain freezer, maintain inventories (slides and cryosamples), assist in lab projects including sample processing, delivery, and paperwork, interview/hire/train interns assisting in consent and collection
Moderate physical effort required. Standing for extended periods of time on concrete floors and in the OR; Being exposed to patient’s undergoing surgery while collecting human tissue samples; walking between buildings on campus – including Oakland and Shadyside; lifting coolers containing dry ice and specimens; working with dry ice and human samples; sitting at a desk and working on a computer for extended time periods
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.
The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.
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