Soc/Clin Research Assistant

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit The UNC School of Medicine has a rich tradition of excellence and care. Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of North Carolinians, and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research. We strive to promote faculty, staff, and learner development in a diverse, respectful environment where our colleagues demonstrate professionalism, enhance learning, and create personal and professional sustainability. We optimize our partnership with the UNC Health System through close collaboration and commitment to service. OUR VISION Our vision is to be the nation's leading public school of medicine. We are ranked 2nd in primary care education among all US schools of medicine and 5th among public peers in NIH research funding. Our Allied Health Department is home to five top-ranked divisions, and we are home to 18 top-ranked clinical and basic science departments in NIH research funding. OUR MISSION Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research. Patient Care: We will promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond. Education: We will prepare tomorrow's health care professionals and biomedical researchers by facilitating learning within innovative curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education. We will cultivate outstanding teaching and research faculty, and we will recruit outstanding students and trainees from highly diverse backgrounds to create a socially responsible, highly skilled workforce. Research: We will develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers, and resources. We will provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our University to support outstanding research. We will foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic, and population research. Position Summary The primary purpose for this position is to work directly with investigators and other research personnel to initiate and execute the Southern Liver Health Study (STRIVE) in the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. STRIVE is a multi-site study that researches environmental exposures that contribute to liver cancer. This position will work on multiple aspects of the study and will involve direct patient interaction with cirrhotic and healthy volunteer populations. This position will work directly in the clinic with physicians, study investigators, and other study staff. As an integral member of the LCCC population-based research team, the Clinical Research Assistant will perform a variety of duties to ensure we meet the demands of the research project. Specific duties will include: 1. Recruiting cirrhotic and otherwise healthy participants in clinic. 2. Administering informed consent, including describing study procedures as well as risks and benefits of participation to patients. 3. Collect all study-related data and biological/environmental samples. 4. Maintain confidential electronic and paper project files, which includes the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, REDCap, Oncore, and EPIC. 5. Complete follow-up of participants in person, by phone, and by mail. 6. Process and manage specimens collected for the study. 7. Transport specimens from clinic to lab. 8. May perform other duties incidental to research activities as assigned. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Bachelor's degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Experience working or volunteering in a diverse environment Proven ability to interact harmoniously with multiple groups of individuals Comfort and willingness to approach and interface with people in a community setting Demonstrated interpersonal, communication and writing, organization and planning skills Familiarity with MS Office and other applications for data entry, communication, and scheduling Ability to get to and from office to home/clinic visits within a 5-mile radius of UNC Chapel Hill campus Driver's license and access to a car; all mileage will be reimbursed Ability to operate and prioritize under strict deadlines within a team environment Ability to process biological samples in a laboratory environment An understanding of regulatory requirements and practices Able to update and streamline Standard Operating Procedures when needed as study needs change Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Interest in public health research; an interest in or familiarity with disparities research would also be helpful, but not required Knowledge of GCP guidelines preferred Bilingual (Spanish) would be beneficial Previous research experience and/or familiarity with research and data collection methods is beneficial Patient contact experience preferred Medical chart review experience preferred Biospecimen-based research experience preferred Database maintenance preferred Required Licenses/Certifications Special Physical/Mental Requirements Ability to travel to clinic/campus with own vehicle and transport samples. Ability to effectively communicate with patients. Campus Security Authority Responsibilities Not Applicable. Position/Schedule Requirements Evening work occasionally, Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Special Instructions Quick Link