RESEARCH STUDY ASSISTANT (FIXED DURATION/TEMPORARY)

The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

At the University of Washington, diversity is integral to excellence. We value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, strive to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity and justice for all.

The Department of Ophthalmology has an outstanding opportunity for a Temporary Research Study Assistant (RSA). The RSA will be primarily responsible for recruiting & consenting research participants and collecting study data for research studies in the Lee Computational Ophthalmology Lab. This project is expected to last 6 months but may extend up to one year depending on funding.

Purpose of the Research Project: 

The overarching goal of this research project is to identify functional ophthalmic biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In Aim 1, we will evaluate key visual function biomarkers via portable, immediately scalable devices. In Aim 2, we will assess several functional imaging features as potential, early diagnostic AD biomarkers.

Our research integrates extensive innovative ophthalmic data from a well-characterized cohort from the Clinical Core at the University of Washington Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (UW ADRC). We will develop a repository of next-generation visual function and ophthalmic imaging data while evaluating the disease status of the patients in the cohort, thus demonstrating an immediate, scalable screening solution for Alzheimer's disease research.
Position Description: 

Under close supervision of the research manager and Principal Investigator, the Research Study Assistant will assist the study team with:

• Creating study instruments including data collection forms, telephone scripts, SOPs, consent documents, and study advertisements.
• Identifying appropriate subjects for participation following study inclusion/exclusion criteria.
• Overseeing efficient flow of subjects through the study including screening, consent, patient reported outcomes and data collection.
• Coordinating the collection, analysis, and interpretation of study data. Develop, monitor, and optimize protocols and research procedures for the study.
• Enter data and ensure data completeness and quality with the assistance of the research manager and PI.
• Write study progress reports, meeting minutes, and other administrative duties. Assist with drafting annual reports to funding agencies and assist with manuscript preparation.
• Other study-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Two years of college-level course work in a relevant academic area AND one year of appropriate experience OR equivalent education/experience.

Other Required Qualifications:

• Excellent problem-solving skills, strong detail orientation, and ability to adeptly manage multiple priorities and timelines
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office required
• Ability to learn new software programs
• Willingness to work independently after sufficient training

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in health sciences, public health, or health-care related fields as well as other applicable areas of study.
• Prior experience with human subjects research, preferably in an academic or healthcare-related setting, and preferably in health services and outcomes projects
• Candidates of non-traditional educational or experiential backgrounds are encouraged to apply
• Experience recruiting & consenting by telephone
• Experience conducting participant outreach and data collection by telephone
• Training and/or knowledge in ethical conduct of research with human subjects
• Interest in ophthalmology and working with state-of-the-art imaging equipment.

Application Process:

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter, and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.