Research Assistant (PRN)

We have a fantastic LPN opportunity at our clinical research site in Waco, TX. The ideal candidate has an LVN or paramedic background.

Job Summary:

A Research Assistant (RA) plays a pivotal role in the successful implementation and management of clinical research studies. This role involves assisting Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) with many aspects of research studies, including clinical duties to support study visits.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or license such as C-MA or LPN; OR an equivalent combination of the above education and experience
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Strong team player with interpersonal skills
• Must be able to work in a high paced environment
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, ability to prioritize tasks – detail oriented
• Computer skills (ability to learn electronic health record systems, Microsoft Office)

Physical Demands:

Requires extensive mobility: walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Ability to sit for long periods of time. Pushing, pulling, and lifting of equipment. Requires mental alertness and accuracy for decision making. Requires ability to speak and hear. Repetitive motion required for extensive use of computers. Good visual acuity. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Mental Demands:

• Requires English language skills for constant high-level written and interpersonal communications. Ability to work well with patients, sponsors, physicians, NCR Team Members, and representatives from other healthcare organizations. Must be able to multitask and to work as part of a team. Excellent professional, organizational, and communication skills.
• General office and/or secretarial skills
• Computer skills and data entry
• Ability to learn medical terminology
• Deadline oriented
• Strong interpersonal skills

Environmental Exposure:

Possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Possible exposure to chemical and electrical hazards.

NextStage Clinical Research Values and Culture:

As a team member of NextStage Clinical Research, you are expected to demonstrate behaviors that reflect our Values and Culture and act in ways that promote the best interest of our patients, physicians, and customers entrusted to our care.

Position Responsibilities:

1. Study Visits and Procedures:

Prepares exam rooms, clinic equipment and computer technology by maintaining inventory and supplies for the study visit. Rooms patients ensuring appropriate documents are with the patients, including required diagnostic reports. Receive, unpack, store, inventory, transport non-controlled substance medications.

Performs clinical duties to support the study visit to include, but not limited to the following:

• Obtain and document height, weight, head circumference and vital signs
• Performs phlebotomy to obtain blood specimens. Transcribe, collect, label and arrange for transportation of specimens.
• Assist with specimen preparation and shipping.
• Perform and document point of care testing as required per protocol.
• Operate required medical equipment such as ECG, PFT’s, etc..
• Assist with stipend payments for patients.
• May conduct research visits with supervision of other qualified CRCs or higher.

2. Collaboration and Communication:

Collaborates with the research team, investigators, study sponsors, and other stakeholders to ensure effective communication and coordination. This involves participating in study team meetings.

3. Regulatory Compliance:

Ensures compliance with all applicable regulatory and ethical guidelines, including Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards, local regulations, and Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Ethics Committee requirements. This involves obtaining necessary approvals, maintaining study documentation, and facilitating regulatory inspections or audits.

4. Quality Control and Documentation: Maintain accurate and complete study documentation, including case report forms, source documents, and regulatory files. Performs quality control checks to ensure data accuracy and adherence to protocol requirements.

5. Participant Monitoring and Safety: Document and report any Adverse events, Serious Adverse Events, deviations that you may become aware of.

Overall, a Research Assistant is responsible for assisting Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) and supporting the day-to-day operations of clinical research studies, helping to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and ethical standards, and contributing to the generation of high-quality research evidence. This role requires strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.