Research Assistant 4

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working with a high degree of independence and under general direction, the Research Assistant 4 will coordinate major activities in biomedical and related technical areas. The research Assistant will effectively conduct federally and foundation-funded research, addressing specific objectives and goals outlined by multiple funded projects.

Responsibilities include designing and planning projects, oversee collaborations, act as a liaison between the research teams, supervise students, staff research assistants, manage human participants, and carry out research activities of an assigned project through completion. Using quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze and determine achievement of findings, the research assistant will keep the principal investigator informed of progress of research projects and provide recommendations on descriptive and experimental designs. The research assistant will also be responsible for preparing manuscripts, contributing data for grant proposals and presenting findings at all scientific meetings, seminars, etc.

The labs research focuses on sleep and the circadian system¿s role in and leveraging sleep and circadian behavioral habits to improve glucose regulation and other secondary clinical outcomes (neurocognitive and psychologic outcomes) in adults with and without type 1 diabetes across the lifespan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. Plan and execute research projects including clinical trials designed by the principal investigator.

May design data collection techniques independently and in collaboration with the principal investigator. Assist with and coordinate research tasks performed by other research team members, ensuring adequate resources, assisting with experimental design and analysis. Oversee progress of the research projects and provide regular progress reports to the principal investigator; and provide input and recommendation regarding significant developments in research projects. Ensure the principal investigator is informed about the results of staff and student members. (15%).

Coordinate major activities of laboratory/ research. Work closely with the principal investigator to develop new techniques and protocols.

Train team members on any new techniques. Update regulatory binder, SOPs, and MOPs for clinical research. Manage staff schedules and ensure compliance with guidelines and regulations.

Monitor participant progress, document adverse events, and recommend corrective action when needed. Prepare for Institutional Review Boards (IRB) updates and serve as a liaison between sponsors, organizations, and monitors. Plan and manage site visits and provide necessary information for audits and data queries. (15%).

Train research staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure projects are being completed according to the research plan. Teach clinical research team members techniques and scientific discovery methods.

Coordinate trainings with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and others as needed. Supervise research assistants, students, and technicians. Ensure proper procedures, safety, and resources are provided.

Develop quality improvement initiatives for research team success. Train stakeholders on human subjects research. Teach postdoctoral scholars and trainees biobanking best practices.

Train team members in utilization, analysis, and presentation of registry data. Provide analytical and pre-analytical training and oversight to research staff. (15%).

Co-author research projects. Present data and findings at research team meetings and scientific meetings, seminars, etc.

Prepare manuscripts, progress reports, and IRB continuing reviews, contribute preliminary data for grant proposals with the principal investigator. Disseminate research project findings. Assemble data and make publication-quality figures from analyzed data.

With the highest level of integrity and responsible conduct of research, participate in writing manuscripts as a co-author for discoveries from research performed with the research, together with the principal investigator and other research team members. Supervise data entry and cleaning, prepare data for data entry, maintain, and edit data code book. (15%).

Perform complex quantitative analytical procedures. Operationalize laboratory and device protocols.

Also, coordinate collection and oversight of saliva and other lab specimens with the internal Biomarker and Basic Science Laboratory, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing. Coordinate specimens to be analyzed at other laboratories external to the school of nursing, ensuring compliance with the institutional review board and university policies which may involve material transfer agreements or service agreements. Assist other research team members with general lab maintenance and required university training. (15%).

Assist in developing procedures, coordinate information with others as needed. Develop a budget accounting system and assume primary responsibility for maintaining, balancing and coordinating budget information with the Case Western Reserve University Finance office. (15%).

NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (10%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with principal investigator and research team members, may work with other faculty for collaboration of research projects, contact with administrative staff as needed

University: Regular/Occasional contact with other research teams for collaboration, Regular/Occasional contact with clinical affiliates (e.g., University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, Metro Health), Biomarker and Basic Science Laboratory, Contact with other departments as needed

External: Infrequent contact with supply vendors, other institutions, funding agencies, etc. to maintain workflow.

Students: Frequent contact with undergraduate and graduate student employees working on research team

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The research assistant 4 will have supervisory authority of all members of the research team (3-5 staff).

QUALIFICAITONS

Experience: 5 to 8 years of related experience required.

Education/Licensing: Bachelor's degree in science (required). Master's in Science (preferred).

REQUIRED SKILLS

Excellent analytical skill; ability to formulate findings and recommendations from the analysis.

Excellent oral and written communications skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals within and external to the University.

Ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable data.

Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadline. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through. Must be able to work under pressure and conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines.

Effective leadership skills; ability to lead, train, work with , and elicit cooperation from team members and staff.

Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter.

Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, sound judgment, and good decision-making.

Good computer skills, including database management. Ability to learn new programs as needed.

Good financial management skills. Ability to develop a budget accounting system and maintain budget and study records.

Ability to meet constant attendance.

Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, participants, and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must have reliable form of transportation to travel to study sites. Occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends.

Need for internet access when working off site, a computer will be provided. May have exposure to hazards. Personal protective equipment may be required to limit exposure including lab coat, gloves and goggles.

Diversity Statement

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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