Clinical Research Study Assistant II - Pediatrics Allergy and Pulmonary Medicine

$39,957 - $60,008/Yr

Washington University in St. Louis - St. Louis, MO

Full-time - Entry Level

St. Louis, MO

Educational Services

About the position

The primary role of this position is to work in a clinical laboratory environment, assisting with the technical aspects of allergy and asthma studies and experiments. This includes the documentation and preparation of materials to ensure timely and accurate specimen collection and handling throughout the laboratory. The individual will participate in various clinical research study activities, assisting in the collection, specimen processing, documentation, and reporting of clinical research data. The position requires a detail-oriented individual who can manage multiple tasks effectively while adhering to established protocols and safety procedures. Key responsibilities include assisting with research studies, experiments, and assays, which involve routine collection of data and biospecimens from participants under clinical research protocols. The individual will prepare solutions, set up and maintain laboratory equipment, and evaluate specimen acceptability for processing and shipping. Accurate data entry and maintenance of data files with minimal errors are crucial, as well as preparing specimens for shipping to other clinical laboratories for analysis. The role also involves recognizing problem areas with samples, procedures, results, records, or equipment and notifying the appropriate personnel. In addition to laboratory tasks, the individual will assist study coordinators with the preparation of study visits, conducting visits, and collecting samples. This includes collecting data from study participants, medical records, interviews, questionnaires, and diagnostic tests to determine eligibility. The individual will perform basic evaluations and interpretations of collected data, preparing appropriate reports and documentation as necessary. Clear communication of study-specific details and procedures to subjects is essential, as is the completion of all necessary paperwork according to study protocols. As studies evolve, the primary focus and duties may change, requiring adaptability and a proactive approach to new challenges.

Responsibilities

• Assists with research studies, experiments, and assays, including routine collection of data and biospecimens under clinical research protocols from participants.
• Prepares solutions and sets up and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Evaluates specimen acceptability for processing and shipping.
• Accurately performs data entry and maintains data files on research with minimal errors.
• Prepares specimens for shipping to other clinical laboratories for analysis.
• Recognizes problem areas with samples, procedures, results, records, or equipment and notifies appropriate personnel.
• Prepares cultures, reagents, probe tests, buffer, etc.
• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Ensures lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained in accordance with established procedures.
• Assists with general lab maintenance, quality control, and cleaning.
• Maintains complete and organized records/reports correctly and in a timely manner (i.e., pending logs, worksheets, QC logs, etc.).
• Assists with inventory maintenance, including purchasing items requested by team members.
• Attends routine meetings and other meetings related to the clinical research; stays abreast of information and any changes to study protocol.
• Assists study coordinators with preparation of study visits, conducting visits, and collecting samples.
• Collects data from study participants, medical records, interviews, questionnaires, diagnostic tests, and other sources to determine eligibility.
• Performs basic evaluation and interpretation of collected data and prepares appropriate reports and documentation as necessary with minimal error.
• Prepares and distributes study packets and information.
• Clearly communicates study-specific details and procedures that subjects will be required to undergo in research studies.
• Reviews, enters, and edits correct participant information in the clinical research database with minimal errors.
• Completes all necessary paperwork/documentation according to study protocol; obtains consent, interviews study subjects, and follows up as needed accommodating the participant's schedule.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent high school certification.
• Two years of administrative or research experience.
• Associate degree or two years of college may substitute for experience.
• Basic Life Support certification (must be obtained within one month of hire date).
• 1+ years of previous clinical research laboratory experience (preferred).
• Detail-oriented and well-organized with an ability to prioritize multiple tasks to achieve daily metrics and project timelines.
• Knowledge of standard aseptic techniques and common laboratory equipment use.
• Ability to work under control in pressure situations and adapt rapidly to change.
• Strong communication skills, demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaborate with a wide variety of personnel in a team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong computer and internet skills including knowledge of MS-Office products such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, MS Teams, and Outlook.

Nice-to-haves

• 1+ years of previous clinical research laboratory experience.
• Detail-oriented and well-organized with an ability to prioritize multiple tasks to achieve daily metrics and project timelines.
• Knowledge of standard aseptic techniques and common laboratory equipment use.
• Ability to work under control in pressure situations and adapt rapidly to change.
• Strong communication skills, demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaborate with a wide variety of personnel in a team environment.

Benefits

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• Forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.
• Defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan with employee and university contributions starting at 7%.
• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs, and courses.
• 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child.
• Tuition coverage for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years.