What are the responsibilities and job description for the Clin Research Assistant I - Center for Autism Research position at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia?
The Center for Autism Research (CAR) is conducting a wide range of studies seeking to identify the causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and to explore effective interventions and other supports for families throughout the region who are affected by ASD. Working at CAR provides the opportunity to be a part of innovative, break-through research on a complex developmental disorder that affects 1 in 59 people in the United States. Most studies at CAR involve behavioral evaluations, brain imaging, and/or genetics aimed at explaining the underlying mechanisms of this complex disorder.
We are seeking three full-time Clinical Research Assistants I (CRA I) across several different grant-funded projects at CAR. Each project is geared toward understanding motor, language, and social development associated with ASD, across infants and/or adolescents.
CRA duties may include but will not be limited to: assisting in all aspects of participant recruitment, including contacting participants or their caregivers to obtain their consent, scheduling visits and data collection calls, distributing consent forms, and maintaining accurate records; collecting data through various study paradigms and administering phone-based standardized screenings or tests; organizing data collected through paper and pencil or online questionnaires and tests, compiling and reducing large quantities of data under the direction of the principal investigator; performing data entry, coding and analysis, entering testing data into databases and/or spreadsheets; submitting IRB protocols and amendments, poster presentations, and publication preparation (including conducting literature reviews, creating figures, etc.); and collaborating with colleagues from other autism centers and/or industry partners to set-up and launch new research trials.
The CRA will work as part of a team composed of developmental and behavioral pediatricians, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and computer scientists. We are looking for a self-motivated team player with excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills to support our research efforts. Prior experience with some or all of these duties is a plus but is not necessary; many Research Assistant duties can be learned on the job. Successful applicants will be fast learners who enjoy working in a bustling and ever-evolving clinical research environment.
- Experience with project coordination. Oversight of volunteers or undergrad students a plus.
- Experience working with children and adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental disorder, and their families is preferred.
- Computer skills including Word, Excel, stimulus presentation software and database software are preferred.
- Ability to function independently in a clinical research setting, and to take active direction from a supervisor.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to contribute as a team player.
- Excellent organizational ability and ability to multi-task, handle deadline-related stress, meet deadlines, and pay attention to detail.
- Ability to handle confidential materials.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings or weekends for specific network meetings or community events.
- Statistical knowledge and interest; ability to use/learn a statistical software package (e.g., SPSS, R) is preferred.
- Ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in psychology, child development, pre-med or similar with some prior research experience preferred
- Familiarity with IRB and human subject protection.
