Clinical Trials Assistant I - Tissue
INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH AT THE DURHAM VA MEDICAL CENTER
CLINICAL TRIALS ASSISTANT I - TISSUE
PI: Dr. Stephen Freedland
OVERVIEW:
The Institute for Medical Research, a nonprofit organization that conducts cutting edge research for the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS), is seeking to hire a Clinical Trials Assistant I. This position is ideal for a highly motivated individual who may be taking time off between degrees or programs with an interest in clinical research. The successful candidate will be employed in the laboratory of Dr. Stephen Freedland, a nationally recognized leader in urology research and associate at the Durham-based Urology Research Lab. The Freedland Urology Research Group primarily examines prostate cancer in veterans with a focus on lifestyle, race, and risk stratification, and is supported by numerous federal grants as well as leading industry sponsors.
The Clinical Trials Assistant is involved with the implementation and execution of a variety of clinical research projects including specimen processing and data collection from medical records, interviews, and questionnaires. These multiple functions require a significant degree of flexibility and independence to complete complex tasks.
This position is also an opportunity to work with a highly productive and dynamic team of MDs, PhDs, and research scientists at a high-tier medical institution. The Clinical Trials Assistant will gain considerable knowledge of clinical research methods, cancer biology, and urology. Clinical Trials Assistants may have the opportunity to shadow in the OR, attend seminars, and engage in other learning opportunities such as manuscript writing after 12 months of employment.
RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to the following:
- Assist in organizing, cataloguing, and maintaining human tissue/specimen bank
- Locating and refiling of tissue slides and blocks
- Assist with freezer organization, sample storage, and laboratory freezer maintenance
- Collect, process, and prepare specimens for shipment
- Complete laboratory maintenance tasks
- Review patient charts to screen for possible subjects and to compile data
- Assist in the collection and management of clinical data and collection of source documents
- Review electronic and paper medical records for medical information and conduct electronic database entry
- Maintain study databases and other study-related spreadsheets
- Assist prospective, retrospective, and national prospective teams within the Freedland group with research tasks, as needed
- Communicate diplomatically and professionally with administration, faculty, clinical and lab personnel, subjects, and other study team members
- Work effectively with Veteran populations and maintain patient confidentiality
- Work effectively and efficiently as part of a team
- Adhere to all safety and compliance regulations and internal standards of procedure
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. This position requires an organized, task oriented, deadline-sensitive individual. Applicants must deal diplomatically and professionally with administration, faculty, clinical and lab personnel, and subjects. This position requires an applicant who is comfortable with processing human specimens such as tissue, blood, urine, and feces. Basic computer skills are required and familiarity with MS Access and MS Excel are preferred. Prior experience with clinical research, lab work (specifically DNA extraction), FDA regulations, HIPAA considerations, and consenting process is preferred.
The physical requirements and activities that are required to perform the essential functions of the position include, but may not be limited to, as follows:
- Must be able to occasionally lift, pull and push a minimum of 40 lbs.
- Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to squat, kneel, and stoop.
- Must be able to regularly use fingers, hands for computer work and tissue procurement.
- Must be able to work independently in a fast-paced environment and handle the workflow of multiple projects.
The prior statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Start Date: Expected start date will be 4- 6 weeks after the offer but is somewhat flexible and contingent upon completion and processing of VA paperwork.
Supervisory Controls: This position will report to the Tissue Clinical Research Coordinator.
Employee Benefits: IMR offers a competitive benefits package which includes health insurance, a matching 403b retirement savings plan, and paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave. Please visit www.imr.org for information about employee benefits.
All IMR employees are required to obtain a Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointment at the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS). As a result, the successful candidate must undergo a federal background check and may be subject to a drug test.
Pay Rate: Non-negotiable pay is $21.00 per hour.
TO APPLY: Please apply with cover letter and resume. Employees work for the Institute for Medical Research and will have an unpaid appointment at the Durham VA Health Care System. Please visit www.imr.org for information about employee benefits. Expected start date is flexible but contingent upon the completion and processing of VA paperwork.
Participation in the seasonal influenza and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination programs may be requirements for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Workers Without Compensation (WOC).
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled persons and veterans.
Click here to apply to this position and others directly on the Institute for Medical Research Careers Page!