Clinical Research Assistant A/B (Department of Hematology/Oncology)

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. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

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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.

Posted Job Title

Clinical Research Assistant A/B (Department of Hematology/Oncology)

Job Profile Title

Clinical Research Assistant A

Job Description Summary

To assist the research team in recruitment and study implementation for two (2) funded studies (RESPECT3 Penn Biobank ROR and the Skyline Trial with Banner Health).

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data. Responsible to assist with study coordination and recruitment for investigator-initiated studies, multi-center research studies, and patient-oriented clinical and translational research projects within a specific division. Works directly with study physicians, research coordinators, project managers, and other research staff. Performs screening visits, consenting of participants, processing and shipping of labs, entering data into databases, and escorting participants to other testing/procedure areas. Help advance the research mission of the Division and University.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Assist with the planning and execution of clinical research projects.
• Collaborate with the principal investigator, research coordinators, and other study personnel to ensure compliance with study protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Recruit, screen, and enroll study participants, obtaining informed consent when necessary.
• Conduct patient interviews and administer questionnaires to collect data.
• Perform data entry, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of research data.
• Maintain patient records and study documentation, including case report forms and regulatory documents.
• Assist with the coordination of study visits and participant follow-up.
• Prepare and submit Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications and amendments.
• Assist with the development of study materials, such as consent forms, data collection instruments, and recruitment materials.
• Perform basic data analysis and assist with the preparation of research presentations, reports, and manuscripts.
• Attend study team meetings and contribute to the ongoing evaluation of study progress.
• Maintain a working knowledge of relevant regulations and guidelines, such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Perform other duties as assigned by the clinical research supervisor or manager.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and 1-2 years of experience in a relevant field (e.g., life sciences or a related discipline) or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Bachelor's degree preferred.

• Prior experience in clinical research or a healthcare setting is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of research methodology and clinical trial design.
• Familiarity with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, HIPAA, and applicable regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data management software.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Detail-oriented and able to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive patient information.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and establish rapport with study participants.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and deadlines in a fast-paced research environment.

CRA B:

The Clinical Research Assistant B will have the same duties as A but will include the following: Act in lead capacity in coordination of projects and assist managers in overseeing execution of project timelines as well as completion of study related activities delegated to research coordinators who provide study related support (e.g., regulatory submissions and data entry). May be responsible for orientation/mentoring of new staff and act as resource to current staff members with study related issues.

Qualifications

• High School diploma and 3-5 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required. Bachelor's Degree Preferred.
• Prior experience in clinical research or a healthcare setting is required.
• Strong understanding of research methodology and clinical trial design.
• Familiarity with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, HIPAA, and applicable regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data management software.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Detail-oriented and able to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive patient information.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and establish rapport with study participants.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and deadlines in a fast-paced research environment.
• The candidate should possess the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Contingent upon funding

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

$16.60 - $21.36 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile. 

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.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay