Research Assistant/Phlebotomist – part-time 20 hours a week

Job Summary

The Research Assistant/Phlebotomist for this federally funded longitudinal cohort study of women living with and without HIV will coordinate components of semiannual research visits including scheduling, consenting, administering surveys, conducting basic and specialized assessments, collecting a variety of biological specimens including a large volume blood draw, and completing accurate and timely data entry and clerical tasks related to the same.  Training and certification will occur before any protocol is implemented. Only after demonstrating proficiency will the RA be expected to perform protocol tasks. The Asst. PD will provide training, oversee certification, evaluations, a timeline for completion, and (re)assess proficiency often.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Obtains blood specimens by established venipuncture technique; Collects/labels hair strands per protocol
• Instructs women in specimen self-collection (nasal/vaginal swabs, urine, & home collection of fecal samples)
• Labels, processes, stores, packages and ships biologic samples according to protocol and guidelines as needed
• Ensure accurate, complete, and timely specimen collection and corresponding data entry
• Maintains supply inventories & restocks clinic rooms regularly; communicates order needs to appropriate staff
• Recruits, schedules, & enrolls established cohort into new sub-studies based on protocol criteria as assigned
• Administers (or assists research participants in self-administration) of computer and phone-based surveys collecting sociodemographics, behavioral, substance use, health/medication use, cognitive, mental health & other assessments
• Obtains (or assists participant) with clinical research assessments including but not limited to vital signs, basic dental photo, targeted body measures, frailty/physical performance, and home sleep measurements
• Helps set up equipment and specialized devices including initialization per instructions for clinical data collection and provides instructions to participants for proper use as applicable
• Downloads and transfers data from equipment and devices used in clinical assessments
• Collects and enters accurate, complete, and timely data following strict adherence to protocol; resolves all data errors and edits quickly using establish data systems; data collection may be by computer or paper/pencil
• Obtains informed consent including signed authorization for obtaining medical records; faxes to designed institution
• Willingness to be trained, certified and conduct new study protocols within skill level
• Schedules visits per schedule of evaluations; coordinates travel (Uber, ride share), assists those with disabilities, orders meals/snacks; provides monetary/gift remuneration per guidelines and documents the same
• Provides support by answering phones, filing, ordering supplies, mailing results to participants/providers, maintaining a clean, organized environment, timely reply to emails, participates in meetings & educational events; contributes to site newsletters, other communications, and administrative requests as needed
• Maintains thorough documentation of all research encounters; adheres to HIPAA, confidentiality, & privacy rules
• Conducts research procedures in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines & site-specific policies
• Communicates effectively, collaboratively, and professionally with co-workers, leadership, and research participants, both orally and in writing, to facilitate smooth clinic operations & successful protocol implementation

Qualifications

Prior experience as a research assistant in a clinical setting. Knowledge/comfort working with women aging with HIV desired. High proficiency in venipuncture required; phlebotomy certification strongly preferred. Specimen processing skills a plus (centrifugation, blood separation & pipetting). Solid knowledge of MS Office products and Cloud based system (willing to train if knowledge is limited for latter). Comfort communicating about sensitive topics (sexual behavior, substance use, violence, mental health). Exceptional organizational skills. Good problem solving & teamwork.