Job Opening ID

250775

Working Title

Clinical Research Technician

Job Title

Clinical Research Technician

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Nonexempt

Organizational Group

School Pub Health

Department

Epidemiology Department

Posting Begin/End Date

6/24/2024 - 7/01/2024

Salary

$45,459.00 - $56,155.00

Career Interest

Research

How to Apply

Interested individuals must submit as one document: 1) a cover letter outlining their interest and experience in relation to this posting, and 2) resume.

Summary

This Clinical Research Assistant position in the Center for Respiratory Virus Research and Response (CRVRR) at the University of Michigan School of Public Health in the Department of Epidemiology, will be dedicated to transporting Center specimens between locations, other laboratories and research participant homes (for household study) in a timely manner. In addition, the clinical research technician will work in the CRVRR laboratory assisting with specimen check in and organization, supply management and preparation for benchwork. The Center has a large portfolio of respiratory virus research studies in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health, examining vaccine effectiveness for influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative team and contribute to research studies with meaningful outcomes. This is an 80% effort (32 hours per week) position. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and time management skills, ability to adhere to research protocol and interest and commitment to working in a team to achieve research goals.

Responsibilities*

Specimen transport and quality control check: Daily drop off and pick up of participant samples from/to study subjects in the CRVRR household studies and local day care centers (in SE Michigan). Determine driving routes for effective and efficient specimen transport. Communicate with off-site CRVRR recruitment staff to schedule pick-up times for samples. Pick up samples and deliver supplies to Henry Ford sites and communicate with study Project Manager and Henry Ford Project manager about timing. Transport all collected samples to the CRVRR lab promptly, following established protocols for handling and transportation to maintain sample integrity. Verify the integrity and completeness of collected samples to ensure they meet the lab's requirements for testing. Confirm that samples have the proper labeling and documentation. Communicate any sample quality concerns or route difficulties to CRVRR Lab Manager and Project Coordinator for each study.

Communication and research documentation: Serve as a liaison between study Project Coordinators and off-site recruitment staff. Communicate with off-site recruitment staff regarding any delays, issues, or changes in pick-up schedules to ensure timely sample collection and processing and communicate those delays to the study staff. Record relevant information such as pick-up times, sample conditions, and any special handling instructions to maintain accurate records throughout the transportation process.

CRVRR fleet vehicle responsibilities: Schedule and complete regular maintenance of study vehicle including refueling, washing, oil changes, and tire pressure. Work with CRVRR Center Manager on any vehicle problems and communicate issues.

Research compliance and miscellaneous research tasks: Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and infection prevention protocol pertaining to the transportation of medical samples to uphold patient safety and confidentiality. Maintain completion and renewal of certifications and trainings related to research implementation and laboratory responsibilities.

Kit supply and research specimen inventory tracking: Track the use and inventory of research-related supplies levels and submit requests for replenishing to project managers. Maintain a mobile inventory of supplies for replenishment at off-site recruitment sites (outpatient clinics). Assemble nasal swab and blood specimen kits when needed to maintain inventory of completed kits.

Laboratory support Assist CRVRR Lab Manager and laboratory staff by directly communicating any concerns or issues related to specimens. Monitor lab supply distribution to study sites and to participants for home collection, assist with specimen check-in and organization procedures, preparation of benchwork supplies. Help track inventory of lab-related consumables. Support lab staff in keeping lab areas clean and organized.

Provide assistance with other research-related tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications*

• Associate's degree or equivalent is required
• Must have previous experience providing courier services in a research setting
• A valid Michigan driver's license and excellent driving record are required
• Ability to independently build efficient driving routes to accommodate multiple daily stops in Southeast Michigan while maintaining flexibility to meet changing demands with short notice
• Previous experience managing inventories and distribution of consumable supplies
• Previous experience or familiarity with research implementation and study sample management
• Knowledge of general laboratory workflows, research safety, universal precautions, and comfort handling and transporting human specimens including blood
• Familiarity with supplies used for research sample collection in a clinical setting will be beneficial
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management skills
• Excellent customer service skills

Work Locations

This position requires work to be completed on-site and at off-site recruitment sites. Working remotely from home is not supported by the duties of this role.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.