Research Assistant ; term position

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $19.41 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Working full time under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 supports a large, IRB approved research study focused on patients with advanced cancer and their informal caregivers conducted at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and affiliated community locations. The position is responsible for recruiting eligible research participants, administering study protocols, and collecting longitudinal study data through direct interaction with patient and caregiver subjects.

This role collaborates closely with the research team to screen electronic medical records, ensure human subjects compliance, communicate with clinical staff, and address data collection issues that arise in the clinical setting. Through accurate data collection and contribution to study procedures, research assistant supports the successful execution of study activities to ensure accurate and complete data collection related to patients with advanced cancer and their informal caregivers.

This is a 1‑year assignment.

• Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans. Plan and carry out research activities in accordance with established study plans and IRB‑approved protocols to ensure accurate and timely data collection by reviewing electronic medical records to determine subject eligibility, scheduling and conducting patient and caregiver interviews at defined time points over a 12‑month period, monitoring upcoming data collection milestones, and ensuring the reliability and functionality of research equipment (iPads) used for data capture, following guidance from the principal investigator and project manager.
  
  (40%)
• Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. The Research Assistant will be responsible for communicating with clinical staff at the data collection site, assure human subjects compliance, and address problems that may occur. In addition to collecting data specifically related to addressing the scientific questions of the study, the research assistant will monitor reasons for subject drop out or disengagement, questions that are asked by study participants regarding study surveys, and barriers to data collection that may occur within the outpatient hospital setting.
  
  This information is key to the successful collection of data as well as completion of the study. (20%)
• Collect and analyze data. As referenced in item above, the research assistant will interview patient/caregiver days days for the purpose of collecting data. The research assistant will also monitor when participants are due for their next data collection time point and will make the necessary arrangements for collecting data from both the patient and their caregiver. The research assistant will also be involved in conducting basic data analysis needed for routine reports for team meetings, reports, or data and safety monitoring meetings.
  
  These analyses will involve frequencies and percentages and will be used by the principal investigator. (20%)
• May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. The Research assistant will participate in team meetings and provide insights and feedback to the study team that may impact on the need to revise data collection techniques of other study procedures. The research assistant may assist in developing these improved procedures if needed. (7%)
• Train new staff; direct the work of students. The research assistant may work in conjunction with the project manager in the training of new staff and/or students. In addition, they can direct some of the work of students as instructed by the project manager. (10%)