Research Aide

Position Summary

The Bronx Prevention Center, part of ICAP at Columbia University, is a Clinical Research Site (CRS) within the NIH-funded HIV Prevention Trials Network Clinical Trials Unit at Columbia University. Located in a clinical office on East 158th Street in the Bronx, the site has over 20 years of experience conducting observational studies and clinical trials on HIV prevention, sexually transmitted infections, Covid and other health problems that disproportionately affect our South Bronx neighborhood. May occasionally assist at our affiliated research site, the Harlem Prevention Center, or at community sites as needed. The Research Aide will assist with grant-funded clinical research studies other studies conducted on site and in the field. Must be community focused and able to establish and maintain positive relationships with participants, staff, and community members. Under the direct supervision of the Site Coordinator, the Research Aide will assist site staff in a wide variety of tasks but will be particularly focused on assisting the on-site laboratory in the processing and shipment of specimens.

Responsibilities

• Ensures proper participant identification (following site SOPS and study specific requirements), complies with privacy regulations, and follows appropriate lab safety and infection control techniques, according to Bronx Prevention Center, and Study Specific policies and procedures and regulatory agencies' requirements. (10%)
• Assists in recruitment efforts, including the distribution of flyers, prescreening of potential participants, appointment scheduling, updating contact information for participants, and follow-up phone calls. (10%)
• Keep accurate records on laboratory specimens and tests (5%)
• Processes laboratory samples (20%)
• Completes lab forms and assists with data entry of lab results (5%)
• Monitors temperature per lab guidelines
• Performs proper Point of Care testing (e.g. HIV test, urine pregnancy, urinalysis) (10%)
• Verifies manual and electronic laboratory orders, collects and labels appropriately all samples and acknowledges collection according to BPC policies and study procedures (5%)
• Performs inventory and stocks appropriate supplies in the respective work area (5%)
• Packs and ships blood and other samples to appropriate lab (10%)
• Obtains and maintains IATA shipping certification
• Assists with participant visit flow as needed (10%)
• Runs errands to pharmacy, dry ice supplier or elsewhere as needed (5%)
• Performs other duties as assigned (5%)
• May occasionally assist at the Harlem Prevention Center

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• Ability to use computers to enter information

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a clinical care, laboratory, or clinical research setting
• Professional certification in phlebotomy from a recognized program such as the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) or the National Phlebotomy Association
• Experience with a diverse population (LGBTQ, IV drug users, all ages)
• Excellent communication skills and ability to establish rapport with diverse populations
• Attention to detail
• Willingness to learn

Other Requirements

• Occasional travel to the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Harlem Prevention Center or other designated sites in the community

Pay

$36,900 - $42,500

Schedule

35 hours per week. Temporary position with end date of 11/30/2027.