Clinical Research Assistant II - Center for Veterans Research and Education

Summary:

The Center for Veterans Research and Education (CVRE), whose mission is helping to support

innovative research and education initiatives that improve the health and well-being of Veterans, is

seeking a Research Assistant.

 Position Description:

The Clinical Research Assistant will work on two multi-site randomized clinical trials studying treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  STEER’s overarching goal is to identify if and when to consider switching from a cognitive processing therapy to present centered therapy with individuals with PTSD in order to optimize their treatment response and retention. COOPERATE aims to test whether partner-assisted prolonged exposure will lead to greater improvements in psychosocial functioning, clinical outcomes and relationship outcomes compared to standard prolonged exposure.

STEER and COOPERATE will be conducted at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System within the Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research (CCDOR), a VA Health Systems Research Center of Innovation. CCDOR, affiliated with the University of Minnesota Schools of Medicine and Public Health, supports over 100 funded projects with an annual budget of ~$25 million. CCDOR strives to foster an inclusive work environment that honors its employees’ diverse identities, perspectives, backgrounds, values, and cultural practices. We believe that a diverse workforce enriches our research teams and the quality of our research to improve health and healthcare delivery for all.

 Responsibilities:

Major duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Telephone recruitment, screening, and consenting potential study participants; communicate with study providers to facilitate recruitment and enrollment.

• Monitor recruitment progress using the study’s web-based tracking application.
• Participate in staff meetings with senior staff.
• Respond to identified suicide risk by informing the study PI and project coordinator.
• Alert the Principal Investigator and project coordinator of data collection/protocol breeches, inconsistencies, or other problems that may arise within the studies, as well as suggesting methods of correction.

• Review and extract data from medical records.
• Organize and administer follow-up surveys to participants during and after treatment and coordinating participant payments.
• Assist in data cleaning and verification. 

• Facilitate and uphold project-related correspondence with study team.

• Maintain professional clearances/human studies training in order to be fully qualified to work with sensitive data as promulgated by the IRB, HIPAA, VHA, and other regulatory agencies. 
• Other study-related tasks as assigned.

• Communicate with Principal Investigator(s) and study team on a regular basis
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

 Applicant must include a cover letter

Minimum Qualifications:

        Education:               Bachelor’s (BA/BS) or above from an accredited college or university in

                                                public health, sociology, psychology, or related allied health field

        Experience:            1-3 years of experience required for CRA II or a post-graduate degree.

        Licensure/Registration/Certification:  None

        Preferred Qualifications:

• Research Assistant experience dealing with data collection and data storage, human subject studies, and institutional review board processes.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practices, human subjects’ protections, and federal regulations related to clinical research.
• Basic experience with trouble-shooting devices and software settings.
• Experience in coordinating multiple task and project elements with differing timelines and completion deadlines. 

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Conditions of Employment:

• Subject to a criminal and educational background check.
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.
• Typical hours fall within standard business hours, work may be required during hours beyond standard business hours, including weekends.
• Must be a US citizen

CCDOR is deeply committed to just treatment, equitable opportunity, and cultivating a community based on respect for everyone. To achieve this, CCDOR encourages applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, ages, ancestries, religious practices, socioeconomic backgrounds, and various work experiences to apply for our center positions.

Physical Requirements:  The employee must be able to navigate the medical center, use a keyboard, and lift 25 lbs.  Reasonable accommodation may be considered in determining an applicant’s ability to perform the duties/functions of the position.