Senior Clinical Research Assistant

Department Overview

This position supports studies associated with the Oregon Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (OADRC), an NIH/NIA-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) and part of the Layton Aging & Alzheimer's Disease Center. Investigators in the Layton Center contribute to national and international efforts to understand aging and the development of and promising treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

Function/Duties of Position

Functions & Requirements

The African American Dementia and Aging Project (AADAPt) is one of the main research studies in the OADRC, and this position will serve as the coordinator for AADAPt. They will collaborate closely with the center’s Clinical Core leaders and staff, assisting with other studies and center initiatives as needed. This position requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to complete complex and detail-oriented duties while working closely with research participants, clinicians, investigators, and other study staff. This work requires the use of independent judgment, problem solving skills, and project and time management.

Responsibilities:

• Screen, consent, schedule, and retain participants in research studies.
• Coordinate and conduct in-person study visits including scheduling participants and staff (physicians, assessors and others), clinic space, imaging and/or other appointments.
• Accompany participants to study visits, ensuring their comfort and understanding of the study activities.
• Maintain documentation including study visit data entry, organization and maintenance of study documents and materials, regulatory compliance.
• Facilitate the collection of annual blood samples. Perform phlebotomy (training provided), process and ship blood samples as needed.
• Run meetings to update clinical team on progress, data, and other issues. Arrange other meetings as needed.
• Work with the Outreach Recruitment and Engagement (ORE) Core of the OADRC to network with Oregon and SW Washington community groups, churches, professional organizations, and local leaders to promote recruitment and engagement of underrepresented groups in research, especially Black/African Americans and rural individuals.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field AND 1 year of relevant experience OR, Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience OR, 4 years of relevant experience OR, Equivalent combination of training and experience
• Experience working with diverse communities
• Working knowledge of scientific methods and human subjects research
• Intermediate or advanced knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook, and other MS Office programs
• Demonstrated high level of organization and attention to detail
• Self-starter with ability to prioritize work demands and manage time
• Ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with other teams
• Ability to speak and communicate clearly and demonstrate a high level of professionalism
• Ability to interact patiently and respectfully with elderly volunteers
• Able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications

• Human subjects research experience
• Experience working with older adults
• Experience working with cognitively or neurologically impaired individuals
• Experience with REDCap and/or other databases
• Phlebotomy training and experience

Additional Details

Working Conditions:

• Typical schedule: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. M-F
• Work location: At OHSU offices and clinics including HRC, MNP and/or CHH, satellite clinics and participant homes
• Work schedule may vary depending on job/study/center requirements
• Personal transportation for off-campus activities is required
• Occasional evenings or weekends, local, national or international travel may be needed
• Travel between meeting locations including using the Portland Aerial Tram
• May have regular exposure to noise and interruptions
• Occasional remote work may be available based on study needs

Physical Demands and Equipment Usage:

• Ability to travel to and work from campus
• Ability to travel between office and study visit locations
• Ability to walk participants to various on-campus locations for study visits
• Ability to sit at a computer for sustained periods of time
• Ability to use videoconferencing equipment (headphones/camera)

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]