Entry Level Biomedical Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) Program Project Grant (PPG): Genes, Images, and Emotions is a large research program within the UCSF Fein Memory and Aging Center (MAC). The purpose of the FTD PPG is to help understand the clinical, genetic, imaging, emotional, and diagnostic features of FTD. The study collects longitudinal clinical, imaging, behavioral, and autopsy data to be analyzed with the goal of improving clinical care for patients with FTD. FTD is a rare neurodegenerative disease that causes behavioral, language, cognitive, and/or motor changes that profoundly impact the patient and their families.

Under the supervision of Principal Investigators (PIs) and study leadership, the incumbent will perform entry-level duties related to the support and coordination of clinical studies of participants with and without neurodegenerative disease enrolled within the UCSF Memory and Aging Center and may receive training and development to prepare and advance for journey-level work at the next level within the series.

Will be responsible for the coordination of one or more single or multi-site studies and entering and cleaning data into study databases and maintaining data quality. May be responsible for helping recruit, enroll, register, schedule and retain study subjects; record protocol specific treatments and assure collection and shipment of samples; assist research personnel to keep patients on study schedules; complete study forms to submit to sponsors and/or appropriate agencies; collect, enter and clean data into study databases, maintaining data quality; assist with data analysis; assist with preparation of reports and tables; attend team meetings; and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• HS graduation and sufficient experience and demonstrated skills to successfully perform the assigned duties and responsibilities; and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Attention to detail; strong interpersonal skills; excellent, effective verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with subjects, team members, other departments and outside institutions; and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while working with a diverse subject population.
• Ability to work well independently, complete projects in a timely manner, and prioritize multiple projects to ensure the completion of essential tasks by deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related subject
• Fluency in the usage of Committee of Human Research (CHR) online iMEDris system for submission, renewal, and modification of protocols through this system.
• Understanding of patient population to create rapport and a relationship, while also giving insight to what is realistic and appropriate for patient participation.
• Certification by the Society of Clinical Research Associates or the Association of Clinical Research Professionals 
• Experience with electronic medical records.
• Knowledge of UCSF and departmental policies for dealing with reimbursement, guidelines for research, confidentiality and HIPPA regulations, following the UCSF mission statement and purpose for research, and a clear understanding of policies and procedures on patient safety and confidentiality (electronic and hard copy medical records, patient charts, communication, etc.); knowledge of medical terminology, research policies and guidelines, guidelines for packing/shipping infectious substances, database building/analysis, and data management within some of the following:  Access, Stata, SASS/ SPSS, and Teleform programming platforms.
• Experience applying the following regulations and guidelines:

Good Clinical Practice Guidelines

Health Information and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

The Protection of Human Research Subjects

CHR regulations for recruitment and consent of research subjects

Effective Cash Handling Procedures

Environmental Health and Safety Training 

Fire Safety Training

% 

of time (Nothing less than 5%)

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

45

YES

• Identify subjects, develop recruitment and retention strategies, and screen and enroll study subjects.
• Schedule subjects for study visits; meet with them to administer questionnaires, collect medical history and perform study procedures.
• Maintain rapport and relationships with subjects to ensure effective communication and retention; respond to their diverse needs, schedule follow-up appointments, and become their intermediary; discuss study outcomes with providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Obtain informed consent; review information with subjects; assess and advocate for patient safety throughout each protocol procedure.
• Oversee subject reimbursement; work to resolve discrepancies and issues. 
• Work with staff to ensure procedures are completed, specimens properly stored, and required data collected at visits; and ensure correct shipping and labeling measures.
• Coordinate, communicate and network with other studies and technicians to ensure scheduling efficiency; communicate with any affiliated groups.
• Conduct reviews of medical charts and electronic records to extract medical information and other data for use in studies.
• Implement needs assessments and recommendations for enhancements on patient coordination, data collection, data management, protocol adherence and study collaboration.

45

YES

• Collect data during subject visits; enter data from visits, procedures, lab tests, and other subject-related participation into databases in a timely manner.
• Manage database structure for each protocol; update databases to improve data analysis and management; create new databases as needed.
• Create and maintain comprehensive data sets as requested by the CRC Supervisor and/or PI.  
• Maintain data collection forms for effective data collection, entry, and analysis.  
• Perform queries and analysis in databases.
• Work with Supervisor to maintain complete and accurate data in the study database; analyze the data as they become available.

1.5

Staff training

• Help train staff and others on new research protocols, changes in procedures, study protocols, data collection/entry, database procedures, medical chart review and storage, and other procedures.
• Attend and actively participate in regular team meetings
• Oversee data integrity; initiate assessments of the adequacy of existing policies and procedures on subject recruitment, data collection, and data management.  
• Update and maintain a procedure manual documenting all study-related procedures; help develop a plan to ensure consistency in data collection and data entry.
• Implement and maintain periodic quality control procedures
• Suggest modifications to the administrative infrastructure to accommodate increasing complexity of studies.  
• Modify data collection instruments
• Help schedule staff time and coordinate staff schedules.
• Maintain subject tracking systems.
• Arrange the exchange of and transport of specimens with collaborating Investigators and staff.
• Oversee the incoming data interpreted from samples and ensure that it is utilized correctly for analysis and publications.
• Ensure integrity and security of samples.

2

YES

2

YES

1

YES

2

YES

Protocol Submissions and Adherence

• Enter all existing and new study protocols into the Committee on Human Research (CHR) online system; seek assistance on maintaining all protocols in the system by communicating with CHR Analysts.
• Design and enhance case report forms and data collection forms as needed; provide manuscript feedback; continue to develop and maintain systems for assuring protocol adherence and data quality.
• Participate in the review and writing of protocols and related procedures to ensure institutional review board approval within University compliance.
• Renew, modify, and submit CHR applications and protocols; ensure that protocol applications are submitted in a timely manner; serve as a liaison between CHR and study Investigators.
• Provide quality assurance checks to note if protocols or UCSF CHR applications need to be modified; evaluate protocols on an ongoing basis and implement improvements as needed.

1.5

YES

• Assure studies are carried out according to Code of Federal Regulations, Good Clinical Practice, and UCSF regulations.
• Initiate and follow-up on CHR submissions and modifications; track approval status.
• Interface with departments to obtain UCSF approval prior to study initiation.
• Maintain regulatory documents; monitor timelines for data submission; document adverse events and submit to appropriate departments.
• Use sound judgment to maintain patient confidentiality when communicating with agencies, healthcare providers, other studies, and outside departments.

Participate in and cooperate with any internal and external audits or reviews of study protocols; prepare necessary documentation.

100%