Clinical Research Assistant

About the role

The University of Pennsylvania is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Job Responsibilities

• Recruit eligible participants for the randomized controlled trial by conducting outreach, screening, and enrollment activities at participating clinics to meet study recruitment targets.
• Collaborate with clinic leadership and staff to implement and adapt recruitment strategies that align with each clinic's established workflows and operations.
• Educate potential participants about the study, obtain informed consent (as appropriate), answer questions, and facilitate survey participation in accordance with study protocols.
• Maintain accurate recruitment, enrollment, and study activity records; enter and verify data in study databases while ensuring confidentiality and regulatory compliance.
• Coincide with the research team to monitor recruitment progress, identify barriers, and recommend process improvements to achieve enrollment milestones and maintain study timelines.
• Communicate regularly with the Principal Investigator, project staff, and clinic personnel regarding recruitment status, scheduling, and operational needs.
• Ensure all recruitment and research activities comply with Institutional Review Board (IRB), grant, and institutional policies and procedures.
• Aid in preparation of recruitment materials, study documentation, and reports required for grant administration and project tracking.
• Participate in project meetings, required trainings, and quality assurance activities to support successful study implementation.
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High School Grad/GED and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Experience interacting with research participants, patients, or community members in a healthcare, research, or public health setting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships with clinic staff and diverse participant populations.
• Ability to explain research studies, follow standardized protocols, and maintain participant confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience entering and maintaining accurate data in electronic databases.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a clinical research environment.
• Ability to travel to participating clinic sites as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience recruiting participants for clinical, public health, or behavioral research studies.
• Experience working in outpatient or community healthcare settings.
• Knowledge of human subjects research regulations, informed consent procedures, and Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements.
• Experience With REDCap Or Other Electronic Data Capture Systems.
• Experience working with federally funded research projects or grant-supported studies.