Research Assistant

The Research Assistant supports the day-to-day conduct of a Foundation for Women's Health-funded prospective cohort study investigating protective biological mechanisms against uterine fibroids in women with sickle cell disease. This role is responsible for participant recruitment and consent, coordination with clinical workflows at Nashville General Hospital and Meharry Health Network Clinics, biospecimen processing and laboratory assays, in vitro validation studies, and data entry and quality assurance. Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant works closely with clinical partners, laboratory personnel, and the study's mentoring team to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant execution of study procedures.

Essential Functions (Principal Duties and Job Responsibilities): 

Participant Recruitment, Consent, and Clinical Coordination

• Identify and approach potentially eligible participants through coordination with gynecology and hematology clinic pathways at Nashville General Hospital and Meharry Health Network Clinics. Obtain informed consent (including tissue sub-study consent where applicable), maintain accurate enrollment records, and serve as the primary point of contact between the study team and clinical staff to coordinate participant scheduling and specimen collection logistics.
  
  

Biospecimen Processing and Laboratory Assays:

• Coordinate collection, processing, aliquoting, and storage of blood (serum/plasma) and, when available, uterine tissue specimens through the Meharry Clinical and Translational Research Center. Perform or assist with laboratory assays including immunoassays (ELISA), qPCR, and immunohistochemistry to quantify hormonal, inflammatory, angiogenic, and tissue-level biomarkers. Ensure specimen handling and storage comply with CLIA-certified laboratory standards and study protocols.
  

In Vitro Validation Studies:

• Assist with fibroid cell culture and in vitro functional validation experiments, including treatment of cell models with candidate protective factors and assessment of effects on cell proliferation, aromatase activity, and extracellular matrix-related gene expression.
  

Data Management and Entry

• Enter and maintain study data, including clinical and demographic covariates abstracted from electronic health records, laboratory results, and specimen tracking logs. Support data quality checks and assist the Principal Investigator with preparation of data for statistical analysis.

Administrative and Regulatory Support

• Assist with maintenance of regulatory documentation and IRB compliance records, prepare materials for study meetings, and support general administrative needs of the study, including scheduling and coordination with the PI and mentoring team. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in specimen handling, data entry, and documentation.

• Working knowledge of basic laboratory techniques (e.g., specimen processing, ELISA, qPCR) or demonstrated ability to be trained in these techniques.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with patients, clinical staff, and research collaborators.

• Ability to handle sensitive patient health information in compliance with HIPAA and institutional confidentiality policies.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and standard data entry/database systems (e.g., REDCap).

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a clinical research environment with competing deadlines.

• Comfort working directly with patients from diverse and underserved backgrounds with cultural sensitivity and professionalism.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Preferred:

• Prior experience as a clinical research coordinator or research assistant on an IRB-approved human subjects study.

• Familiarity with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and human subjects research regulations.

• Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., RNA/DNA extraction, cell culture, Western blot).

• Familiarity with sickle cell disease, gynecologic conditions, or women's health research.

• Bilingual or experience working with medically underserved populations.

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biomedical sciences, public health, or a related field.
• Prior laboratory, clinical, and/or research coordination experience preferred; candidates with strong academic laboratory coursework and no prior professional experience may be considered.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in a clinical research, hospital, or academic laboratory setting.
• Experience with human subjects recruitment, consent processes, and biospecimen management.
• Experience working with EHR data abstraction and REDCap or similar data capture systems.

Licensure, Certification or Registration Preferred:

• Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) or CCRP certification.
• Phlebotomy certification.