Clinical Research Assistant

The University of Maryland School of Social Work has an exciting opportunity for a Clinical Research Assistant with experience in the areas of behavioral health and youth homelessness.  This is a full-time, contractual position.

The grant funded position supports the research efforts funded by multiple grants and contracts from the National Institutes of Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the State of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. This position involves working with investigators and other staff and interacting with other stakeholders and partners. The individual will be expected to work with the Principal Investigators and others on the research team to meet various project needs. Potential tasks include ensuring that progress reports are submitted on schedule, helping with meeting administration, assisting with data collection, and participating in the summary and dissemination of research findings to relevant stakeholders.  The position requires the individual to have access to reliable transportation and be willing to travel to locations around Central and Eastern Maryland to conduct structured interviews with individuals that have serious mental illness and who are enrolled in the study. This position will work closely with the Clinical Research Specialist and maintain frequent contact with the research team.  However, most interviews will be conducted independently, so the candidate will need to have experience and comfort working with individuals with serious mental illness and conducting face-to-face interviews for a research study.  The candidate will be expected to complete research ethics and other training required for the position.  

The School of Social Work is deeply committed to a community of excellence, equity, and diversity and welcomes applications from women, underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, sexual minority groups, and other candidates who will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives.

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. Contingent Category II staff receive a generous leave package that includes over 2 weeks of vacation each year, paid holidays, sick time, and time for community service; subsidized comprehensive health insurance and supplemental retirement options; professional learning and development programs; limited tuition remission for employees enrolled at UMB; life insurance and long-term disability; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).  

Essential Functions

• Function as clinical research assistant supporting the Principal Investigators and Co-Investigators in completing project tasks, attending and supporting research meetings, and coordinating communication with UMB staff and community partners.
• Perform administrative tasks, including taking meeting minutes, developing and revising slide presentations, sending out meeting materials, and collecting and maintaining any administrative documents from stakeholders/community partners.
• Assist project manager with the day-to-day activities and quality of technical assistance support provided to DHCD as well as engaged jurisdictions and programs for the Youth Reach and HMIS Data Warehouse projects.
• Perform duties including assisting with data collection, monitoring compliance with research protocols, and communicating with stakeholders.
• Scheduling and conducting interviews with study participants; data entry, cleaning and maintenance of the study REDcap database; various research-related administrative tasks (e.g., updating IRB protocols, maintaining file and data storage in compliance with HIPAA and university IRB requirements); and supporting other study activities as needed.
• Responsible for assisting with the performance of research projects in a clinical setting, including recruitment and consenting of potential study subjects and collection and organization of data.
• Assist with performing data collection by conducting research interviews, reviewing medical charts, and accessing computerized medical information systems.
• Assist with recruiting and screening subjects for research studies according to IRB-approved protocols.
• Assist with data analysis and interpretation, including conducting descriptive analysis for reports of study data using software such as SAS, STATA, and SPSS.
• Assist in developing, submitting, and providing content for grants, papers, abstracts, manuscripts, and presentations. Conduct and analyze literature searches.
• Assist with performing administrative duties. Maintain communication with participants and colleagues regarding protocol-specific information and research orders.
• May also assist with providing assessments and ensuring protocol compliance while participants are in a study.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Public Policy, Public Administration, or other related field. 
Experience: Prior clinical research experience preferred
Other: May consider a combination of related experience and education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrate and support a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Demonstrate understanding of cultural differences.

The Hiring Range for this position is in the mid $40,000s to low $50,000s, commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact the Staffing department at [email protected]. 

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request . You may also contact [email protected]. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.