Clinical Research Assistant

Job Title

Clinical Research Assistant

The purpose of this position is to support building a lung transplant database and biobanking. Under the direction of Dr. Crespo and the investigative team, and following training, the candidate will be required to perform duties related to gathering patient and donor data from Epic and UNOS into the database. The candidate should be able to navigate the Penn chart to gather data and obtain consent from patients.

The role also involves interacting directly with patients and their families, including obtaining informed consent, administering research questionnaires, processing (blood, BAL, pathology tissue) samples from the recipient and donor, interpreting the electronic medical record and recording specific elements into an electronic database, and managing, cleaning, and displaying data. The candidate should have prior coursework or experience in biology or a related field.

Other necessary skills include effective communication, teamwork, organizational efficiency, and adaptability to new processes.

• Collect patients’ and donors’ data and obtain consent for the study database and biobank.
• Extract, enter, and clean clinical data.
• Coordinate study activities according to protocol while adhering to all University guidelines and good clinical practices, including sample collection/phlebotomy.
• Prepare and maintain regulatory documentation, including IRB initial submissions, modifications, and continuing reviews; address questions raised by the IRB.
• Order lab supplies, ship samples, and maintain open communication with study collaborators.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• High school graduation (or an equivalent graduate education) and 1 to 2 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

$17.55 - $19.47 Hourly Rate

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits, plus flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Tuition: Tuition assistance for the employee, spouse, and dependent children at Penn, with additional eligibility at other institutions.
• Retirement: Generous retirement plans (Basic, Matching, Supplemental) allowing pre‑tax or Roth contributions, with a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Substantial paid leave during the year for vacation, personal matters, illness or injury, and family time.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance through Genworth Financial for faculty, staff, and eligible family members, with waiver of underwriting for new hires.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Programs and resources to support health, family, and work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Resources to advance personal and professional growth.
• University Resources: Access to libraries, athletic facilities, Arboretum, art galleries, museums, and cultural events, many of which are free for staff.
• Discounts and Special Services: Savings on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, and other goods and services for faculty and staff.
• Flexible
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Non-traditional work hours, locations, and job structures to promote work‑life balance.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loan assistance for eligible employees purchasing or renovating homes in West Philadelphia.
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for up to two adoptions per household for eligible employees.