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

This position's primary function  is to facilitate, promote, and ensure good clinical practice in the conduct of all research protocols in the Department/Center. Independently manages different phases of complex clinical trials and mentors Coordinators and Research Assistants. Works with partnering institutions and creates  multi-center budgets and manages expenses.  Participates  in study team meetings, disease site group meetings, and ongoing protocol training/compliance meetings. Supports in the monitoring of external sites and assists in the management of multisite trials. Adheres to all University and other regulatory guidelines.

Job Description

The Palliative and Advanced Illness Research Center is seeking a full-time clinical research coordinator (CRC) who will be responsible for day-to-day operations and recruitment for two federally-funded clinical research studies among patients with advanced kidney disease: (1) a study exploring the effectiveness of a video decision aid for renal supportive care on advance care planning among elderly patients with advanced kidney disease; and (2) a study that seeks to understand the impact of a behavioral health intervention on pain management among hemodialysis patients.

The CRC will also be responsible for leading data collection for a third qualitative study funded by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) that seeks to identify ways to surmount the dual adverse impacts of COVID-19 and systemic racism on the willingness and ability of older, underserved individuals to engage with preventative health care services promoting lung health (e.g., smoking cessation, lung cancer screening) during the pandemic.

Under the supervision of the study Principal Investigator, the CRC’s primary responsibilities for the first two studies will include leading all aspects of screening and recruitment of patients from outpatient nephrology and dialysis clinics and obtaining informed consent from participants. For the third study, the CRC’s primary responsibilities will include conducting telephone interviews with older adult tobacco users from rural and underserved populations, family caregivers, and clinicians, and collaborative coding and analysis of the interview data under guidance by the study project manager.

The CRC will also be responsible for various day-to-day study operations including maintaining study databases, compliance with submission of IRB documentation and regulatory materials, and preparing and reviewing materials for results dissemination and grant applications as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

Estimated % of Time/*Essential Function

Independently recruit patients from multiple clinical outpatient sites and conduct patient screening and consent. This includes interaction with clinical and administrative staff as well as patients and caregivers in multiple clinical settings.

*Lead qualitative study involving telephone interviews with 180 current smokers from underserved, rural, and/or low socioeconomic backgrounds, their caregivers, and clinicians.

Code and analyze qualitative data using NVivo software – including collaborative development of an interview coding guide and participating in iterative coding meetings with the study PI(s) and other team members to analyze themes and content for research purposes.

Independently modify IRB applications, perform study modifications, and continuing reviews.

Participate in meetings with investigators and other research staff including weekly Center staff meetings, work-in-progress meetings, and monthly Center-wide meetings.

Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree with 2-3 years of related experience in research and clinical study methodologies or equivalent combination of education and experience is required

Working Conditions
Office, Library, Computer Room; Requires extensive safety

Physical Effort
Typically sitting at a desk or table; Occasional lifting 25 lb. or less

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range
$42,953.00 - $77,315.00

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.