Clinical Research Assistant I

Job Title: Clinical Research Assistant I

Department: Research

Reports To: Mark Garzotto, MD

FLSA Status: Full Time, Non-exempt

Pay Rate: $21.63 - $24.04 per hour

Work Type: Onsite

POSITION SUMMARY

Clinical Research Assistants support the implementation of clinical trials by conducting study visits, preparing participant materials, collecting data, and helping ensure studies are well organized and in compliance with protocols. This role offers direct exposure to patient interactions, clinical workflows across multiple medical specialties, and regulatory processes. Research Assistants work closely with Study Coordinators, Principal Investigators, clinicians, and patients, gaining valuable experience that can serve as a strong foundation for advancement into Study/Project Coordinator roles and beyond. Responsibilities provide meaningful opportunities for hands-on learning and professional development in both research and healthcare, while supporting Veterans and their caregivers.

We are seeking a dedicated Clinical Research Assistant to take primary responsibility for multiple aspects of human subjects research with Veteran patients. Our current research includes prostate, bladder, hematologic, gastrointestinal, and skin cancer clinical trials. This position involves direct patient interaction in a clinical setting with prospective and retrospective data collection.

This position is located in the Research and Development Service of the VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) in Portland, Oregon.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the proper conduct of clinical trials according to protocol requirements
• Recruit and communicate with Veteran participants in a clinical setting and by phone
• Accurately screen, consent, and enroll eligible Veteran patients into clinical trials
• Precisely and accurately document and organize source materials into patient records and electronic medical record systems (EMR)
• Develop databases, participant tracking systems, and standard operating procedures for research projects
• Accurately, thoroughly, and respectfully solicit health information from Veteran participants within a clinical setting and by phone
• Ensure timely data collection, entry, auditing, and query resolution
• Collect and ship research biospecimens
• Manage Electronic Data Capture (EDC) across multiple trials and confirm participant timepoint completion
• Work independently under general supervision of Principal Investigator and ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Communicate any problems and concerns, and suggest solutions to the Program Manager, and/or appropriate Principal Investigator.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct reports.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE 

Required:

• Bachelor's degree

Preferred:

• Degree in science, social science, or other health related fields
• Prior research experience, either volunteer, academic or professional

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Required:

• English language proficiency with excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be able to count, calculate, interpret numerical data/graphs and perform basic mathematical calculations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel & Outlook)
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally via email, MS Teams Chat and other electronic platforms
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as deductive and inductive reasoning abilities
• Ability to independently meet deadlines, anticipate needs, prioritize multiple tasks, and follow through on tasks to completion
• Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently, exhibit self-motivation and enthusiasm to learn new skills
• Take initiative to identify and address issues and concerns of veteran patients in a timely and caring manner

Preferred:

• Basic statistical, data interpretation and unit conversion knowledge
• Prior experience using Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems such as REDCap, Medidata, or Inform

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Because this position is based in a VA facility, the Research Assistant must secure a VA Without Compensation Appointment (WOC) prior to starting work, and must maintain a WOC Appointment in order to continue employment.

The VA's WOC process will be facilitated by the supervisor and processed through the VA Research and Development office. The screening process required to obtain a WOC may include a background check, a credit check, a physical, a drug test, and a TB test.

After the WOC process has been completed, the VA also requires several trainings prior to employees starting work.

Portland VA Research Foundation is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status such as race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin or age.

All PVARF employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 within 8 weeks of hire, unless medically exempt. Employees will be required to provide either proof of vaccination or an approved medical exemption prior to beginning work.