Research Assistant, Clinical

This is a temporary full-time, non-benefitted contractual position in the School of Medicine’s Center for Shock Trauma and Anesthesiology Research/Trauma Research. The role involves assisting with clinical research projects, including federally funded studies and industry-sponsored drug and device trials. Research may focus on trauma resuscitation, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic complications, neuro-intensive care, clinical outcomes, critical care, sepsis, or acute lung injury.

Responsibilities

• Communicate directly with participants regarding research studies.
• Perform data collection through research interviews, medical chart reviews, and computerized medical information systems.
• Recruit and screen subjects for research studies according to IRB-approved protocols.
• Verify participant eligibility; obtain consent and enrollment; ensure accurate demographic information for follow-up.
• Establish and maintain database files and reports using Microsoft Excel/Access.
• Perform data checks, audits, and cleaning to ensure validity, accuracy, and compliance with quality control requirements.
• Develop data collection instruments such as survey questionnaires.
• Analyze and interpret data; develop statistical reports using SAS, STATA, and SPSS software.
• Assist in developing, submitting, and providing content for grants, papers, abstracts, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Conduct and analyze literature searches.
• Assist the Principal Investigator (PI) and research personnel in developing research protocols and materials, including study analysis and forming conclusions.
• Assist in developing and recommending policies, procedures, and methods for clinical research activities.
• Perform administrative duties, including training interviewers, participating in field visits, and responding to requests from individuals, institutions, and government agencies.
• Maintain inventory of biospecimens and assist with specimen collection and processing.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in epidemiology, sociology, psychology, biology, emergency health services, nursing, or a related scientific field.
• Prior experience in clinical research preferred.
• Alternative qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field with at least 18 credits in a field related to the research, or a Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field with at least one year of experience in a directly related research field.
• May require training related to occupational safety, environmental compliance, shipping of hazardous materials, and/or ionizing radiation.

Skills

• Ability to understand and utilize scientific/medical terminology and research theory in oral and written communications.
• Ability to apply approved guidelines of varying research protocols.
• Knowledge of best practices in research protocols and procedures.
• Ability to comply with UMB policies for Institutional Review, Human Protections, Animal Protections, and similar requirements.
• Skill in various interviewing techniques and data abstraction/entry into study-specific databases.
• Proficiency in statistical interpretation and data analysis using statistical software (SAS, STATA, SPSS) as well as spreadsheet and database applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to present information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of subjects and research information.
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and professionally in a team environment.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to use a consultative approach to resolve issues in area of responsibility.

Schedule

The selected candidate must be able to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.