Clinical Research Assistant I, Spine Clinic

Clinical Research Assistant I, Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute Spine Center Research Program

Why UT Southwestern?

With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued patients and employees. With over 20,000 employees, we are committed to continuing our growth with the best professionals in the healthcare industry. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover teamwork, professionalism, and consistent opportunities for growth. Join UT Southwestern to help with our mission to educate, discover and heal through our life-changing research!

Job Summary

The Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute is looking for a Clinical Research Assistant I to join the Spine Center Research Program. The Spine Clinic is a multidisciplinary team, including services from Physical Medicine and Rehab, Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Orthopedic Surgery, Neurological Surgery, Physical Therapy, and Psychiatry for pre-surgical psychological evaluations. Using both nonsurgical and surgical options, the Spine Center team offers comprehensive care for all types of back, neck and spine conditions. The goal of the Spine Center research program is to engage in cutting-edge translational and clinical research to improve outcomes and develop new treatments for those affected by disorders of the spinal cord, spinal column, and related structures.

Experience and Education

Minimum Requirements

• High School diploma or GED with no experience.
• A minimum of Heart Saver for non-licensure or BLS for Licensure may be required based on research study protocols or affiliate location requirements.

Job Duties

May perform some or all of the following based on research study:

• Enters data into case report forms or other data collection system based on research study.
• Assists with maintenance of study level documentation.
• Assists with data queries and possible edits for accuracy.
• Compiles data for regulatory requirements and /or deadlines for local or sponsor submissions.
• Maintains existing databases and ensures data integrity.
• Understands visit schedules, inclusion/exclusion criteria and protocol requirements for routine and low complexity trials (e.g., questionnaire, data registry, scripted); schedules research visits. Assists research staff by completing research protocol related tasks.
• Assists with preparing annual reports and/or modifications to institutional review board (IRB).
• This may include reportable events (UPIRSO). Reviews and abstracts information from medical records including eligibility criteria.
• Recruits and enrolls patients in research study that may include consenting patients after training and with supervision.
• Assists with ordering and maintaining research supplies following university/department procedures, ensuring that equipment is in good working order.
• With adequate training and supervision, assists with collecting and processing specimens following established procedures/protocols.
• Assists in preparing studies for closeout, (e.g. packing files, documenting files for storage, shipping extra supplies back to sponsor).
• With adequate training/credentialing and supervision, performs study procedures such as phlebotomy, vital signs, and EKG's needed for research study.
• Based on research study, other procedures/equipment/services may be required.
• Duties performed may include one or more of the following core functions: a) Directly interacting with or caring for patients; b) Directly interacting with or caring for human-subjects research participants; c) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting patient records (including patient financial records); or d) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting human-subjects research records.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Possess strong computer skills (spreadsheets, databases, and interactive web-based software). Follows and understands the regulations for Protected Health Information (PHI). Proactively works to maximize results of the team and organization. Possess good communication skills. Possess the ability to problem solve. Work requires ability to conduct interviews with research subjects.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an office environment but may require periodic visits to clinical and off-site clinical areas for purpose of interviewing patients. May require local or out-of-state travel based on research study.

Compliance with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate enforced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) is a requirement for this position. Federal law requires individuals holding this position to be fully vaccinated or have an approved exemption for certain medical, disability, or religious reasons. Individuals who do not meet CMS vaccination requirements are not eligible and should not apply for this position but are encouraged to apply for other non-healthcare positions at UT Southwestern for which they qualify.

To learn more about the benefits UT Southwestern offers visit https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information. UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of: race; color; religion; national origin; sex; including sexual harassment; age; disability; genetic information; citizenship status; and protected veteran status. In addition, it is UT Southwestern policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.