Date: August 2023
Title: Research Associate (full-time)
Department: General Operating
School/Management Center: Nursing School
Location: Nursing School
Supervisor Name and Title: Christine Horvat Davey, PhD, RN
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working with a high degree of independence, the Research Associate will lead, optimize and execute all study implementation procedures and the management of data for several research lab projects that engage directly with adults living with HIV in a clinical setting. Working closely with the principal investigator and in collaboration with the research team, the Research Associate will coordinate and conduct all research activities in an outpatient clinical setting, managing complex research protocols of a non-routine nature. The research associate will monitor, and revise data collection tools and procedures as warranted and assist the principal investigator with data management and study alignment with regulatory oversight. The research associate will communicate with clinical staff at the data collection sites, assure human subjects’ compliance, supervise students participating as part of a research practicum and research assistants as well as address problems that may occur.
Current lab research projects are examining the influence of physical activity and diet on symptom management, sleep status, frailty, and cardiovascular health among people with HIV (PWH). The lab has integrated additional research methods to continue building knowledge on the impact of COVID on this vulnerable population and works as a team to develop and tailor research activities to improve participant engagement.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Coordinate and conduct all research activities in the laboratory and in the outpatient clinical setting, managing complex research protocols of a non-routine nature with precision, working in-person with people living with HIV, clinical health staff, and research members on a regular basis. Research activities include participant recruitment, study visits, informed consent, data collection, chart abstraction, and subject interviews. (56%)
- Work closely with principal investigator to ensure the protection of human subjects in research and compliance of research activities with regulatory oversight bodies, and rigor and relevance of research activities and data collection in contributing to the field of science in HIV. Address key issues in data collection, recruitment, retention, and other substantive issues. (10%)
- Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Utilize new and innovative research techniques to assist the principal investigator in developing and evaluating adequacy of protocols for study implementation and data collection/maintenance methods. May co-author research projects. (10%)
- Supervise students working as interns and research assistances in the lab, ensuring professionalism, human subjects’ research and public health compliance, study rigor, and supportive supervision. (6%)
- Analyze data and prepare abstracts for scientific meetings and publications. Prepare meeting agendas, minutes, and progress reports and share study updates weekly with the principal investigator and research team members. (6%)
- Engage regularly with the research team and the partnering research sites, acting as the liaison between research members, participants and clinic personnel to provide study updates and troubleshoot issues related to the research studies. (6%)
- Manage study-related financials and work with the principal investigator, grants manager, and study coordinator to closely monitor the laboratory budget. (6%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Maintain required certifications for protection of human subjects (CREC hours). Complete yearly conflict of interest statement. Maintain research credentials. (<1%)
- Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with the principal investigator, co-investigators, and other research team members to collaborate on work. Contact with the other School of Nursing research staff and faculty conducting related studies.
University: Regular contact with investigators conducting similar research within the university at education and research meetings to exchange information.
External: Regular contact with medical, nursing and medical records staff at University Hospitals, and with collaborating research institutions and their research staff to exchange information.
Students: Regular contact with BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD and other students and fellows who may assist with the project for supervisory purposes.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Supervise the work of students, trainees, and research assistants in the laboratory.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in project management/coordination, research or program implementation, and engaging stakeholders required. Experience engaging, assessing and evaluating vulnerable populations, clinical HIV experience, prior participation in clinical research, and experience obtaining informed consent is preferred.
Education/Licensing: Master’s degree required. Must be able to be certified for protection of human subjects in research.
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Proactive, independent and self-directed in performing work with excellence.
- Highly organized with a keen ability to develop tools, systems, and strategies to maintain research materials, documents and data in coordination with other team members, often across institutions.
- Technologically proficient in use of Microsoft Office products, data management programs, cloud-based project management platforms, e-mail and information searches.
- Excellent social and interpersonal skills.
- Strong project management/coordination and data management skills.
- Comfortable engaging and interviewing subjects in a clinical area.
- Highly motivated, conscientious, and willing to learn.
- Excellent interviewing skills and excellent command of verbal and written English language.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team.
- Ability to work under limited supervision and to problem solve effectively. Must demonstrate good judgment and logical decision-making.
- Ability to administer data collection instruments.
- Ability to meet consistent attendance.
- Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
WORKING CONDITIONS
No exposure to hazardous materials. Must be able to travel between Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals clinic regularly. Must be able to transport study materials between sites. Must be able to use a computer and technology with ease on a regular basis. Must be able to engage with patients, staff, and team members in a clinical setting and in the office on a daily basis.