Clinical Research Assistant I

About the role

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

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

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.

• Required: Bachelor's degree
• Preferred: Degree in science, social science, or other health related fields; Prior research experience, either volunteer, academic or professional
• Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: English language proficiency with excellent oral and written communication skills; Ability to count, calculate, interpret numerical data