Research Assistant 1

Vanderbilt Dermatology Translational Research Clinic Clinical Study Coordinator / Data Manager

The Vanderbilt Dermatology Translational Research Clinic (VDTRC) is seeking a motivated, meticulous, and technically-skilled patient-oriented clinical study coordinator / data manager to help advance skin imaging and artificial intelligence projects related to ongoing multicenter clinical trials in dermatology, oncology, and infectious disease. These innovative projects involve experts from the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Bioinformatics, Dermatology, Medicine, Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering Departments.

This environment brings together clinicians, basic scientists, engineers and statisticians in close collaboration due to its interdisciplinary research and close physical proximity of the School of Medicine to the School of Engineering. The new team member will be responsible for all aspects of managing clinical studies including recruitment strategies and implementation, IRB considerations, coordinating multiple clinical sites, patient consent, clinical data collection and entry.

Additionally, under supervision, the team member will assist with database design and statistical analysis. This is seen an entry-level career position with significant growth potential as the candidate's productivity grows. This is an ideal opportunity for individuals considering a career in medical technology research leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Under supervision, run experiments, assays, and record results
• Read and follow experimental protocols (May include animal handling, tissue culture, etc.)
• Compile and communicate results to supervisor
• Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, radioactivity, toxic material, and/or carcinogenics)
• Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions
• Prepare and operate equipment in experimental procedures
• Maintain and repair equipment according to manufacturer and university guidelines.
• Ensure Laboratory is prepared for experiments
• Maintain inventories
• Maintain sterile conditions as required
• Prepare reagents
• Clean equipment

Technical Capabilities:

Required characteristics / minimum skills:

• Excellent organization and record-keeping skills
• Interest in clinical impact
• Attention to detail
• At least basic computing skills (ideally with scripting experience)
• Concise written communications

Examples of tasks:

• Leading correspondences with collaborators across centers
• Keeping track of progress on NIH grant deliverables
• Keeping research data (including IRB documents, consents, and clinical data) organized
• Analyzing research data in collaboration with biostatisticians
• Refining and enforcing team data management guidelines and data QA
• Developing and performing optimal clinical and smartphone photography protocols
• Creating REDCAP databases
• Self-initiated investigations of medical center resources to support research
• Developing image privacy and information security protocols with respective offices in the medical center
• Managing projects and supervising research assistants
• Preparing scientific publications (depending on written communication aptitude and academic interest)

Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.