Professional Research Assistant

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER | ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS

Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine

Professional Research Assistant (PRA)

Position Number:  00642212

Nature of Work

The Professional Research Assistant will be part of the Division of Geriatric Medicine, specifically in the IMAGE group. The primary duties of the successful candidate include conducting research in cardiac, vascular, metabolism, aging, gender and exercise. This position is not involved in the instructional program. This is a full-time, benefited position. The incumbent is not eligible for tenure and this is an at-will position meaning an employee can be terminated at any time without notice and severance pay may not be provided. 

Professional Field

The area of research is in the areas of aging, metabolism, and exercise. Specific research topics are diverse and the incumbent will be expected to have some experience with clinical research.

Supervision Received

The incumbent will work under the supervision or at the direction of the Director of the IMAGE group and/or other researchers in the lab, including Principal Investigators, Professors, and/or Associate and Assistant Professors.

Examples of Work Performed

The PRA will manage the day-to-day operations of clinical research studies including, but not limited to, the following specific tasks:

• Completion of required regulatory documents and obtain necessary approvals from on campus administrative bodies (e.g., SARC, COMIRB)
• Maintaining OnCore Clinical Trials Management and clinicaltrials.gov profiles
• Coordinate and implement human subject recruitment
• Conduct phone screenings
• Consent qualified study participants
• Schedule and conduct study related visits and outcome assessments as required by the protocol, including but not limited to:
  • Obtain medical history, perform body composition scans, perform resting metabolic rate tests, assist with human fat and muscle biopsies and process human tissue, blood, urine and saliva samples.
• Research, develop, troubleshoot and perform molecular biology studies such as PCR, western blots,
• Assess, document and maintain quality control of all study-related data (using RedCap, OnCore)
• Data entry and quality assurance
• Maximize retention of study participants
• Track and report study related adverse events according to IRB guidance
• Prepare reports for study team meetings and annual IRB review
• Attend weekly research meetings
• Supervise students/part time PRAs who work in the laboratory
• Other duties, as needed, for study completion

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful applicant should be motivated and able to work independently in an organized and efficient manner to manage clinical and preclinical studies. In addition, the PRA should have:

• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to develop a solid rapport with others
• Excellent oral and written skills with the ability to write and conduct daily communications
• Basic knowledge of data management, collection, quality control and analysis methods
• Be proficient with computer software including RedCap, OnCore, Microsoft Teams, Word, Outlook, Excel and Zoom
• Pass required research compliance courses (CITI and HIPAA training)
• Possess (or obtain) basic life support (BLS) certification and maintain certification throughout employment
• Be flexible in daily routine and hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed
• Have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Be familiar with weighing chemicals and performing concentration and dilution calculations
• Compassion and experience working with research volunteers
• Ability to represent the University, Department, and Division, internally and externally, in a professional and positive manner

Salary and Benefits

The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $40,000-$50,000.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

The University of Colorado offers a full benefits package. Information on University benefits programs, including eligibility, is located at Employee Services .

University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks for all new employees prior to their employment.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. Alternative formats of this ad are available upon request for persons with disabilities.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits .

Total Compensation Calculator: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/total-compensation

Diversity and Equity

Please contact [email protected] for information on disability accommodations

Office of Equity: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/equity

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, person, with disabilities and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Minimum Requirements

Qualified applicants must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, integrative physiology, exercise/applied physiology, or a related discipline.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

A Master’s degree and extensive experience managing clinical research studies are preferred.

Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Windows applications is highly desirable.

Working Conditions

This is a full-time position with varying/flexible work hours, including some evening and/or weekend hours.  The main work site will be located on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO. Telecommuting is an option for some responsibilities but is not an option during active research studies when participant visits are required.

Essential Functions

The incumbent must be able to lift at least 15 pounds, and able to sit or stand for more than 1 hour at a time.  Incumbent must be able to work in a sterile hood.