Research Assistant 3, Orthopaedics OMEGA

POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under limited supervision, coordinate research work in medical and related clinical areas in direct support of a federally-funded project. The Research Assistant 3 will assist the physicians and healthcare providers who are involved in the clinical studies pertaining to the project to ensure effective implementation of study protocols. The research assistant 3 will provide and record adequate and appropriate information related to patients and research protocol(s). The research assistant will also assist the Principal Investigator(s) and Executive Director in the design and execution of research studies to document patient experience and needs in managing large joint osteoarthritis.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Coordinate laboratory and research activities. Perform all activities related to clinical research studies including but not limited to screening participants for eligibility and recruitment while ensuring equity and diversity, obtaining informed consent, educating participants regarding study requirements, and completing case reporting forms. (25%)
2. Work closely with the principal investigators and executive director to design and execute a research study into the management of osteoarthritis at the patient level. Develop and implement effective recruitment policies and procedures which attract participants with direct experience with osteoarthritis. Document, record, and assimilate accurate participant records and study records to ensure documentation compliance with sponsor guidelines, standard operating procedures and internal and external regulatory agencies. (20%)
3. Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Specific experimental studies will require the ability to execute appropriate IRB approved protocols for the collection and transport of tissue materials. Maintain accurate records of the data obtained. Perform patient interviews related to osteoarthritis and its impact upon their functions of daily living. Compile and analyze the data obtained. (15%)
4. Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. These include IRB protocols for the collection of cartilage, marrow, and blood samples. These also include protocols for the assessment of the impact of osteoarthritis across a diverse spectrum of the population, focused on large joint dysfunction. (9%)
5. Evaluate adequacy of techniques and provide feedback on experimental design. Record results using appropriate software, such as Excel. Prepare and present results to supervisors. Optimize and troubleshoot procedures to comply with expected outcomes. Revise protocols to improve subsequent research activities. (8%)
6. May supervise medical students and technicians in the completion of experiments and compilation and reporting of results. (6%)
7. May co-author research projects in support of the principal investigators as the outcomes and
circumstances of the program permit. (6%)
8. May monitor the laboratory budget related to clinical tissue collection. Monitor supply needs and consumption and communicate re-order requirements to project administrators. (6%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform other duties as assigned or required. (5%)

CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow.
University : Occasional contact with other departments to share information, including coinvestigators in other departments, Institutional Review Board and other healthcare professional and staff.
External: Regular contact with study participants (patients) and families. Occasional contact with participating companies, partner institutions and external regulatory agencies.
Students : Little or no contact with students.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
May supervise technicians.

QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 3 to 5 years in a related position. Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice and Good Technology Practice, Experience in IND filings, IDE filings, NDAs and 510(k) filings is a plus. Education: Bachelor of Science degree in medically related field preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS
1. Detail-oriented person with the ability to collect, compile, and analyze information.
2. Proficient in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, RedCap.
3. Ability to understand and communicate research protocol requirements to others.
4. Able to work independently on multiple tasks and manage time effectively.
5. Able to prioritize the work of multiple projects.
6. Fluent in relevant medical terminology.
7. Possesses excellent verbal, written and communication skills.
8. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
9. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
10. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS
General clinical and laboratory environment. Travel may be required.

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity.  Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

.

Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.  Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation.  Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

.