Clinical Research Coordinator

Job Summary

The general purpose of the position is to help manage and execute all clinical and translational research studies for the Principal Investigators. Currently, the supervising Principal Investigator has two multicenter studies, where UCSF is both the coordinating center and a clinical site; the other PIs have several inter‑related projects that operate within the supervising PI’s UCSF cohort or with UCSF as a clinical site.

In addition, the supervising Principal Investigator has two ongoing studies based in Kampala, Uganda where members of his San Francisco research team help coordinate aspects of this study.

Specifically, the main responsibility of the person in this role is to screen, enroll, and conduct study visits with patients; and to collect, process, store, and ship respiratory (i.e., bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage, BAL), blood, and other bodily fluid specimens from HIV‑infected and HIV‑uninfected subjects in San Francisco that will be used for a wide‑range of molecular‑ and cell‑based laboratory assays, including 16S rRNA microarrays, Illumina DNA and RNA sequencing, telomere length and telomerase activity assays, PCR and ELISA assays, and unbiased next‑generation sequencing (NGS) assays.

• Collect and prepare – using sterile laboratory techniques – bronchoscopy with BAL fluid, bronchoscopically‑brushed endobronchial cells, and blood (whole blood, serum, plasma, PBMCs, and bodily fluids such as semen and saliva) for molecular‑ and cell‑based laboratory assays.
• Inventory and store specimens; arrange proper transport (e.g., on dry ice) to collaborating investigators and staff.
• Oversee incoming data interpretation from samples and ensure that it is utilized correctly for analysis and publications.
• Organize, manage, and update specimen transfer inventories; ensure the integrity and security of samples.

Additionally, responsibilities include pulmonary function testing (spirometry) with a minimum of three flow‑volume loops per subject, before and after bronchodilator administration. The person will notify subjects and their primary care physicians if any concerns or abnormal results are discovered.

Oversee and receive shipments of biological specimens from the supervising Principal Investigator’s research site in Kampala, Uganda. Purchase all study‑related supplies for San Francisco and Uganda and assist in cleaning, organizing, and restocking an office and a Biosafety Level II (BSL2) laboratory.

An educational degree in science, theoretical and technical understanding of the laboratory assays, and prior laboratory experience handling infectious specimens (e.g., HIV+ and TB+) are strongly recommended for this position.

Work with representatives from the National Institutes of Health, principal investigators, laboratory collaborators, and study personnel from collaborating sites. Act as an intermediary between ZSFG and UCSF clinical and research staff to manage all aspects of the Principal Investigators’ research studies, including all ZSFG, UCSF IRB, and BUA study applications and the day‑to‑day conduct of study protocols.

Oversee and assist in the development, execution, and, if required, modification and revision of study protocols and laboratory procedures. Knowledge and ability to implement proper biosafety measures are required.

Assist the Principal Investigator with implementing study protocols, study coordination, data/specimen collection, data management, and quality assurance. Oversight of processing and shipping of study samples and, if certified, performing blood draws.

Assist in the selection and hiring of new laboratory members. Train all new laboratory members—fellows, residents, study coordinators, laboratory assistants, volunteers, or students—in all aspects of clinical and translational research.

Assist the Principal Investigators in preparing grant applications. Prepare and maintain new systems for organizing clinical data and clinical specimens. Assist in auditing all research‑related expenditures. Participate in conference calls and meetings, and lead lab meetings with investigators.

Help assure compliance with regulatory agencies; oversee study data integrity;…