Research Specialist

Research Specialist with CMA or similar experience

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Research Specialist to support working directly with study subjects in innovative research projects with national scope. Certified Medical Assistants and/or skilled phlebotomists are highly encouraged to apply. 

A competitive candidate will be collaborative, personable, and have experience in patient-facing or lab work. Tasks include conducting visits with study subjects, collecting blood and other biospecimens, coordinating patient schedules, updating databases and implementing the study in accordance with all applicable rules. 

Recruitment Research Specialist Accountabilities 

1. Develop detailed project plans, timetables, resource estimation and tracking to meet deadlines.
2. Collaborate with internal sources to design systems, forms, questionnaires, and surveys.
3. Identify and act upon barriers to success and work to enhance plausible solutions.
4. Implement study protocols and ensure that the protocol is followed within regulatory guidelines.
5. Design and oversee data collection processes, develop and implement methodology to assess data accuracy and completeness.
6. Update various databases related to recruitment, patient appointments, and study progress.
7. Schedule patient appointments and send appointment reminders to study participants.
8. Prepare and track mailing for potential study candidates or active participants.
9. Perform phone interviews with potential study participants to assess study eligibility.
10. Facilitate appointments for selected studies by collecting forms, administering questionnaires and incentives, and other related duties.
11. Maintain and update study documentation.
12. Assist the Investigator and/or Project Manager with regulatory reporting.
13. Oversee recruitment and follow-up activities.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Trained to perform phlebotomy or willing to become trained. 
• Associate degree in health science related field, with one year of relevant work experience preferably in a health science related field.
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Endnote or similar software programs.
• Excellent writing skills (excellent spelling, grammar and editing skills).
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Knowledge of research methodology.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities.
• Exceptionally good organizational skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with medical persons, study participants, project staff, and others.
• Strong data-entry skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a social science or health-related field. 
• Ability to adhere to a research protocol but also has sufficient flexibility and judgment to handle unforeseen situations that may arise.
• Ability to recognize potential inefficiencies in the protocol procedures and to suggest improvements.
• Experience with PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Access and RedCap software packages.
• 1-2 years research experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated excellent communications skills in representing directed needs of Research institute to outside agencies and organizations.
• Ability to take broad guidelines of a task, initiate a course of action and then coordinate the activity through completion.
• Research related survey work experience.
• Formal knowledge of survey methods.
• Experience with survey development software packages, scanning systems, and data collection.

DECISION-MAKING: 

• The research protocol and federal regulations regarding patient rights in research are the principal limits.      Problems where there is conflict between the research needs and GHI operations would be clarified and referred if necessary to supervisor.
• Responsible for a variety of administrative projects requiring independent judgement and action.
• Position must follow guidelines established by CITI training, federal grant regulations and HealthPartners’ and HealthPartners Institute’s operating standards.