Research Associate II, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology

PAY GRADE: 29E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Vascular Function and Chronic Disease Laboratory at the University of Delaware, under the direction of Dr. Melissa Witman, is seeking a Research Associate II/Laboratory Coordinator, to support multiple investigations on cardiovascular function in humans. The Research Associate II will be an integral part of the research team. Primary duties include: study recruitment, study enrollment, coordination of study visits and travel to the research site, execution of data acquisition and data management including ultrasound imaging and assessments of cardiovascular function, handling and processing of human blood and urine samples, ordering and maintaining research equipment and general laboratory supplies, preparing and submitting protocols and annual reviews to regulatory bodies (IRB, NIH, etc.) and performing general lab maintenance and upkeep. The Research Associate should work independently to conduct research and make appropriate decisions under limited direction. Sufficient computer skills required as the candidate will maintain multiple databases, as well as entering and analyzing data. The Research Associate will interact with faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, administrators, as well as across multiple University departments, external vendors and other academic and clinical institutions. In addition, the Research Associate develops relationships with persons outside the University community to build research participation. This 2 ½ year position is supported by an externally funded grant (National Institutes of Health: R01HL155764) and continuation is contingent upon the availability of funding.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees the recruitment of research participants through advertisements and interaction with clinical staff at local hospitals
• Assists with screening and scheduling of research participants for ongoing research studies/data collections. Coordinates research study visits including travel to the research site. Prepares essential materials for research participants and maintains open lines of communication. Coordinates the availability of investigators, core laboratories, and clinical staff
• Directs and executes data acquisition, entry, and analysis
• Implements and maintains an electronic data capture system to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance
• Facilitates compliance with the informed consent process, as well as IRB policies and procedures, prepares documents for IRB review. Manages record retention process
• Promotes and provides direction as it relates to workplace safety.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree, Master’s degree is preferred with minimum two years of previous experience in a laboratory ideally in the areas of human clinical research and/or human physiology, kinesiology, or exercise science.
• Background in exercise science, applied physiology, kinesiology, or related field preferred
• Comfortable working with vulnerable research populations including children with rare, terminal neuromuscular diseases such as Duchenne & Becker muscular dystrophinopathies
• Ability to develop operating practices, assume responsibility, and take initiative to perform tasks.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact and communicate effectively with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds
• Excellent organizational and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Requires excellent comprehension, communication, and grammatical skills in English for the interpretation and following of written and verbal instructions
• Willingness to learn new skills
• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures, to develop and follow research methodologies and protocols
• Intermediate computer skills including competency in spreadsheet and database software

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Position has frequent potential for occupational exposure to blood and body fluids.
• Required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials
• Requires a valid motor vehicle operator's license and access to private and reliable means of motor vehicle transportation for travel to and from hospitals/clinics.
• Requires dexterity in handling delicate and/or hazardous materials.