Staff Research Associate I (Clinical Research Coordinator)

Position Definition :

The Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) I will be responsible for providing clinical and administrative support to the Principal Investigator (PI) for a variety of research studies conducted in the SFVAHCS Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (CCL). Responsible for performing clinical research activities as delegated by the Principal Investigator and Research Nurse within appropriate scope of practice. Ensure conduct of study activities according to study specific protocols, governmental regulations, GCP guidelines and local site SOPs.

The CRC I will help to prepare protocols for study initiation; help design flow sheets, data forms and source documents; gather medical, surgical and laboratory data regarding participants; apply understanding of inclusion/exclusion eligibility criteria for protocols; help screen, recruit, enroll, , register, schedule and retain participants; record protocol specific treatments and assure collection, processing, and shipment of samples; assist research personnel to keep participants on study schedules; complete study forms to submit to sponsors and/or appropriate agencies; collect, enter and clean data into study databases, maintaining data quality; assist with preparation of reports and tables; attend team meetings including occasional travel to study-related meetings; and perform other duties as assigned.

In this position, the CRC I will collaborate with faculty members, post-docs, graduate students, and undergraduates in both administrative and research capacities. This opportunity involves administrative and research skills and thus will be most suited to applicants who have had prior experience conducting human research.

Essential Functions:

• Contributes to planning and organizing the clinical aspects of the research studies. Identify and coordinate with interdisciplinary departments involved with the implementation of the clinical study. Assist with providing in-services and support as needed for personnel involved with the care of subjects and research activities.
• Aid in the preparation and management of IRB submissions and reports. Maintain regulatory documents in compliance according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) procedures.
• Responsible for screening subjects to evaluate subjects' records to determine eligibility according to the protocol's criteria. Pl is responsible for final eligibility approval.
• Collects clinical data required by the study protocol. Maintain complete and accurate case report forms and source documentation for each subject enrolled. Correct data discrepancies/inconsistencies identified in a timely manner.
• Assist with documenting all significant study patient encounters in EMR, including appropriate clinical assessment and plan under supervision of PI and/or Research Nurse, ensuring the PI and/or Research Nurse is kept informed of all encounters and including the PI and Research Nurse as a co-signer on progress notes.
• Communication of all protocol-related issues/problems to the PI, Research Nurse and the sponsor. Assist with reporting serious adverse events promptly according to the protocol requirements and local IRB and SFVAMC R&D policies.
• Help to ensures that Study Drug or Device administration is completed per protocol. Maintain complete and accurate records of the receipt, dispensing, retrieval and return of Study Drug or Device.
• Aid in the coordination and participation in meetings, conferences, training sessions and other forums regarding the conduct of the clinical study, including national PI/ Study Coordinator meetings requiring travel. Help in the identification any barriers regarding recruitment, enrollment, and any other issues involving study activities.
• Contribute to the preparation and participates in quality assurance activities (monitoring visits, internal not for cause audits and sponsor audits).
• Ensure that all VA sensitive information is being used, stored and secured in accordance with the VHA policies and guidance.
• Assists with reimbursement submissions
• Maintains files documenting research trainings, credentials, research-related TMS certificates, CVs, licensing, certifications, memberships, and other related materials for each study team member and gives timely reminders and assistance as needed to maintain these and prevent expiration and provides evidence to sponsors and others requiring it.
• Scheduling of study sessions, meetings, phone calls, etc.
• Participate in the screening of potential study participants
• Maintaining reliable and regular contact with faculty, and keep PI apprised of study updates.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Minimum Bachelor of Science and sufficient experience and demonstrated skills to successfully perform the assigned duties and responsibilities
• Previous experience in coordinating and conducting clinical research studies. Preference for conducting Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory clinical trials or similar experience.
• Knowledge of the code of federal regulations for conducting clinical research, GCP guidelines and SOPs.
• Prior extensive experience with phlebotomy, specimen collection, processing and shipping
• IATA certification or willingness to obtain within one (1) month of hire
• Willingness to learn IRB / SFVAMC R&D regulations and reporting requirements.
• Experience with study documentation and HIPAA regulations.
• Experience working with diverse teams of interdisciplinary administrators and clinicians with ease and professionalism to effectively coordinate study activities. Maintain professional conduct in the presence of subjects, clinical staff and sponsors.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects, tasks and priorities to achieve desired goals.
• Required to have and maintain documentation of annual training in ethics of human subject research and GCPs.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision and meet deadlines
• Strong accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communications and presentation skills; excellent organizational skills; and excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively in a diverse team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Windows.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-based environment; project management and coordination skills; ability to prioritize tasks and meet multiple deadlines on concurrent projects.
• Ability to establish cooperative working relationships with patients, co-workers, and physicians.

Working Conditions/Environment:

The work environment for this position will include an indoor office and a medical research environment. It may include some minor annoyances such as noise, temperature variations, etc. The incumbent may sustain posture in standing or seated position and may utilize a computer terminal for prolonged periods of time.

The base salary range for this position is $24.11-$28.87 per hour. The base salary actually offered to a successful candidate will take into account various relevant and non-discriminatory business factors including, without limitation, the candidate’s geographic location, job-related experience, knowledge, and skills, and education, as well as internal equity considerations. A successful candidate may also be eligible to earn additional compensation including bonuses.

The Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. NCIRE is committed to a policy that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, Veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under federal and state law, and to make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We are committed to furthering the principle of equal employment opportunity. NCIRE actively works to attract and retain talented individuals. NCIRE offers career opportunities in research and administration in pursuit of furthering medical research for our nation’s Veterans.