Position Summary
The Research Assistant supports research projects in an assigned Practice Area through the performance of basic research operations and administrative procedures, including data collection, entry and tracking. This position will perform other important research functions including prescreening/screening of participants, obtaining informed consent, administering participant surveys, and actively helping to maximize retention of study participants. The Research Assistant participates in assigned department research projects in collaboration with other members of the team within the clinical research program in the department.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities to perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.
The Research Assistant performs the following duties/responsibilities for the assigned Practice Area:
Work closely with the research team on-site as well as centrally off-site to follow study protocols and maximize participant enrollment and retention.
Screen and enroll research participants, obtaining informed consent, including a review of medication histories to see if subjects are eligible for enrollment, conduct interviews with subjects, and collect and enter high quality data.
Assist with arranging transportation for study participants, as well as provide reminders for research visits in accordance with study protocols.
Participate in regular site-team meetings and multi-site team meetings.
Conduct collection and assembly of research study data and information.
Participate in data quality control and quality assurance activities.
Act as liaison between participants, clinicians and other study team members.
Conduct retention activities, such as follow-up phone call and study visits out in the field.
Additional duties include assisting the Research Associate and PIs with day-to-day affairs of the site activities as they relate to the study management of the Clinical Trial.
Perform other duties as requested.
Minimum Qualifications
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 duties.
Education
Bachelors degree or commensurate relevant work experience.
Experience
One to two years of experience in clinical or behavioral research preferred. Experience and/or knowledge working in harm reduction and/or with individuals with substance use disorder preferred.
Competencies The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or traits required for success in this position.
Research Assistant must demonstrate:
Knowledge and support of GWMFA’s vision, mission statement, values, and guiding principles.
Knowledge of and ability to follow study research designs, protocols, and standard operating procedures.
Familiarity with data collection tools and data management and analysis programs (desired).
Familiarity with harm reduction principles.
Excellent interpersonal skills for communicating professionally, cheerfully, and effectively with study participants, families, clinicians, colleagues, research associates, social workers, patient/peer navigators and other study team members.
History of working independently and as part of a team.
Good written communication skills for the preparation of coherent research summaries.
Proficiency reading documents and following instructions written in English.
The ability to work well with others across differences and resolve conflicts when they occur.
Familiarity with the technology/equipment utilized by the research project.
Compassion, patience, and calm.
Integrity, with appropriate concern for confidentiality.
Flexibility, initiative, and self-direction.
Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Concern for quality and accuracy.
Other Requirements
None at this time
Supervision Received
Research Associate, study PIs and Senior Director of Clinical Research Operations. Direct collaboration with Physician Fellowship / Research Liaisons.
Supervision Exercised
None
Working Conditions
The Research Assistant will work in a shared office or clinical setting. Because it is a shared space, there may be some minimal interruptions or other distractions in the office space. Accuracy and timelines are very important for this position. Although this position typically works during normal business hours, occasional extended hours, which can include evenings and weekends, may be needed to meet study/project demands. The Research Assistant may also be required to meet participants in the community in order to help provide and navigate to community-based services or to help locate participants. The Research Assistant will walk frequently between their office and the nearby George Washington University Hospital, where randomization, informed consent, participant enrollment and other study activities will occur. They will not have a personal workspace at the hospital. All facilities are tobacco-free.
Reasonable Accommodation
Consistent with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), as amended, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position, when such an accommodation does not create an undue hardship for MFA.
About GW MFA
MFA physicians provide comprehensive patient care, offering one practice for the whole person with 52 medical and surgical specialties. As members of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences faculty, MFA providers are teachers and mentors for medical students, residents, fellows, and researchers preserving the rich tradition of academics, research, and healing. In addition to maintaining a closely integrated alliance with The George Washington University and The George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) which is separately owned and operated by Universal Health Services (UHS), the GW MFA has active referring relationships with 12 area hospitals.
The GW MFA’s leading healthcare presence in the DC metro region is complemented by a network of community-based practices in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Given its geographic location in central NW Washington, DC, and proximity to more than 175 resident embassies, the MFA continues to evolve its international clinical outreach.