University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Job Description Summary

The Clinical Research Assistant B will work in conjunction with BEAT HIV Delaney Investigators, Research Nurse to assist with screening, enrollment and follow up of subjects into interventional clinical trials within the Division of Infectious Diseases and may work independently to execute observational trials. Additionally, the Research Assistant may assist the Research Nurse with community outreach efforts throughout Philadelphia to recruit study participants.

Job Description

The Clinical Research Assistant B will be part of a multi-disciplinary research team conducting HIV therapeutic trials as well as various Infectious Disease-related studies. The RA will serve as an outreach recruiter for HIV and healthy volunteer studies as well as assist in retention of participants. The RA should be skilled at engaging in informal conversation with potential research subjects by phone, in person and via social media platforms all while adhering to confidentiality/privacy regulations. Organizational and administrative skills are necessary as duties also include various protocol-directed procedures: blood draws, ECG, blood pressure/vital signs and questionnaire administration. Support of the Research Nurses includes preparation of case report forms, labeling tubes for blood collection and scheduling of clinical research study participant appointments. Travel throughout Philadelphia to neighborhood venues and community HIV organizations is required for outreach.

The position requires the Clinical Research Assistant B to have knowledge in the treatment and care of patients living or at risk of HIV infection, Hepatitis and other Infectious Diseases. The Research Assistant must be self-sufficient, detail-oriented, and able to identify problems and solve them, including assessing the need for further intervention or care by licensed staff. He or she must be able to handle confidential information and meet objectives in compliance with all legal, regulatory, and protocol guidelines.

Excellent communication and organizational and administrative skills are necessary including ability to check and prepare recruitment materials, ability to effectively interact with multidisciplinary teams including patients, families, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, administrative and laboratory staff.

DUTIES:

1. Organize and maintain documentation, case report forms and study binders required by Sponsor as directed by Supervisor
2. Complete lab requisition slips, prepare progress notes and charts, assemble lab kits, label required tubes and arrange for transportation of specimens per protocol(s)
3. Screen potential patients, in person and by phone, for research studies and collaborate and confer with PI, Research Nurse or Coordinator for final approval of the potential patient as a candidate for the study
4. Maintain telephone follow-up with all study patients as dictated by protocol in a timely manner for scheduling and retention purposes
5. May perform blood draws, ECG, blood pressure and other measurements of vital signs and administer study-related questionnaires
6. Support and interact with Research Nurses and Coordinators to identify routine potential problems and communicates with appropriate member of the research team
7. Maintain documentation of all study participant interactions in source documents and electronic medical records as designated in various protocols
8. May travel with Research Nurse within the Philadelphia area to community events in order to raise awareness of ongoing Delaney BEAT HIV research projects.
9. Perform additional clerical duties as assigned, attend weekly staff meetings and professional development seminars/conferences

Position contingent upon funding.

• HS diploma or GED equivalent and 3-5 years of experience; or equivalent
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills required
• Interpersonal skills are required including professional phone etiquette
• Working knowledge and use of various social media platforms required
• Experience in research, regulatory or medical environment preferred
• Knowledge of HIV disease preferred
• Phlebotomy skills preferred
• Knowledge of medical terminology is helpful

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$17.58 - $31.65

Affirmative Action Statement 

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.