Research Assistant-Clinical

ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S IS A TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE. FLU VACCINES ARE REQUIRED. ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, PROTECTED VETERAN STATUS OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC PROTECTED BY FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL LAWS.

This position has been designated as safety sensitive and cannot be filled by a candidate who is a current user of medical marijuana.

CURRENT EMPLOYEES: Please apply via the internal career site by logging into your Workday Account (https://www.myworkday.com/archildrens/)and search the "Find Jobs" report.

Work Shift:

Please see job description for details.

Time Type:

Full time

Department:

CC035801 NCOR Administration

Summary:

The Research Assistant (RA) is responsible for supporting research and community engagement activities for the National Center for Opioid Research and Clinical Effectiveness (NCOR) and the LINK at Arkansas Children’s Research Institute. The NCOR will position Arkansas as a national leader in understanding the impacts of the opioid crisis on the fetus, newborn, developing children, and families. It will also accelerate development of effective evidence-based treatments that radically improve child health and inform state and national policy efforts. The RA reports directly to the NCOR Director of Operations and will work closely with faculty, research teams, public health partners, community organizations and external organizations. With support from the LINK Program Manager, the RA will collect and analyze data, develop outreach plans, and coordinate dissemination efforts. The role facilitates community-facing engagement activities, and provides direct service support. In state travel is required to support events and initiatives.
The ideal candidate for the RA position is a highly organized and detail-oriented individual with strong communication skills, enabling them to effectively collaborate with team members and convey complex information clearly. They possess the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring that deadlines are met without compromising quality. With proficiency in data collection, they can efficiently gather and organize research data, ensuring accuracy and consistency to support ongoing studies. Additionally, they demonstrate a willingness to travel and work flexible hours as needed, adapting to the dynamic demands of research environments while maintaining a high level of professionalism and dedication.
Job Responsibilities:
• Assist in planning and executing community engagement activities.
• Collect and organize project data for decision-making and reporting.
• Develop outreach and advocacy plans for stakeholders.
• Coordinate community-facing events, workshops, and dissemination activities.
• Support direct service activities and targeted programs.
• Travel to support assigned research projects and/or manage logistics for CE events.

Additional Information:

Required Education:

High school diploma or GED or equivalent

Recommended Education:

Bachelor's degree in a related field of study.

Required Work Experience:

Related Field - Four years of related experience

Recommended Work Experience:

Formal education may substitute for work experience on a year-for-year basis (eg., one year of education = one year of experience)

Required Certifications:

Recommended Certifications:

Description

1. Responsible for overseeing all aspects of the day-to-day management of assigned projects. Serves as the primary administrative liaison between study participant and Principal Investigator or other research staff. Coordinates project activities, scheduling, and outreach. Attends or facilitates meetings and other communications with investigators, research sponsors, other research staff and investigator staff members for the purposes of coordination of services to support assigned research projects.

2. Performs implementation/active and close-out phases of the study and recruitment of study participants by implementing effective screening strategies. Schedules and performs initial contact with prospective research subjects and follow-up visits; understands and explains research protocol, consent forms and when applicable uses detailed questionnaires and/or assessments to collect data for research studies; monitors the information for eligibility for the specific protocol as well as accuracy and completeness prior to examination by the investigators and/or sponsoring agency.

3.  Collects, codes and enters study information into a database; assists in data compilation. Documents and maintains accurate records and study information. Prepares reports and summaries as needed. Manages financial records for dissemination and reconciliation of participant incentives (i.e., Visa gift cards and/or other non-monetary gifts).

4.  Interviews project participants individually or in groups. Interviews may be conducted in person, by telephone, via televideo, or by mail. Ensures that completed questionnaires are complete, legible and accurate in accordance with research protocols.  Make follow-up contact with participants to obtain missing or questionable data.

5. Spearheads lab recruitment efforts as needed and coordinates the scheduling of required laboratory tests and/or exams when applicable. Process samples for shipping, and perform any other procedures specific to study protocols (willing to learn phlebotomy for the collection of blood samples as well as other biological or environmental samples, as well as collection of vital signs if needed); Operates and maintains clinical research laboratory equipment to ensure safety and provide accurate results.

6.  Develops, monitors, and adheres to timelines for project goals. Ensures that deadlines and deliverables to relevant funding agencies are met. Assist Clinical Research Supervisor and PI in complying with all state and federal regulatory and institutional requirements.

7. Maintains complete and accurate records and files pertaining to one or more research studies including regulatory and financials (study supplies, equipment, research participant incentives, travel, etc.).  Maintain detailed records of research subject visits and procedures. 

8. Makes descriptive reports of research study progress and outcomes. Makes recommendations to investigators to improve research processes and outcomes. Assists in preparation and submission of adverse events, protocol deviations or variations and data reports as needed. Responds to internal and external regulatory and financial audits.

9. Demonstrates effective communication skills; communicates accurate and complete information, maintains strict confidentiality. Demonstrates exceptional customer service and positive working relationships with participants, co-workers, clinical and management team, ancillary departments, community partners and stakeholders.