Entry Level Computer Science Research Jobs in Portland, OR

Department Overview

This position is to provide research and administrative support for clinical research focused on cancer survivorship and sexual health under the general supervision of the PI. The research assistant will assist with participant screening and recruitment, data collection and management, regulatory and administrative activities, and dissemination of research findings. The research assistant is expected to work independently on routine activities while adhering to established study protocols, institutional policies, and ethical standards. The position requires strong time management and organizational skills, effective verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a collaborative research environment.

Position is 10 hours/week for 9 months, temporary, hybrid position

Function/Duties of Position

1. Participant screening and recruitment

• Determine study eligibility by reviewing self-administered online eligibility screening forms in REDCap according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria
• Distribute survey links to eligible participants using established recruitment procedures
• Document and maintain screening and recruitment logs while protecting participant confidentiality
• Respond to participant inquiries promptly and professionally 

2. Data collection and management

• Monitor and track participant completion of online surveys and, as needed, send reminders according to the study protocol
• Review study data for completeness and accuracy and perform routine data quality checks
• Manage and maintain study data in REDCap and other approved research databases while ensuring participant confidentiality and data security 

3. Communication and study coordination

• Communicate with prospective and enrolled participants by telephone and email in a respectful, professional, and timely manner
• Respond to participant inquiries within the scope of the study protocol and refer complex questions to the PI as appropriate
• Coordinate participant incentives (e.g., gift cards) and maintain accurate documentation of distributions
• Serve as a liaison among research team members, collaborators, and institutional partners as needed to facilitate study activities and communication
• Participate in regular research team meetings by preparing meeting agendas, providing study progress updates, documenting meeting minutes, and tracking follow-up action items 

4. Research administration and regulatory support

• Maintain study tracking systems and document study progress
• Assist with preparation and maintenance of regulatory documentation and submissions (e.g., IRB, OnCore, and funder reports)
• Develop, revise, and organize study-related materials and documentation 

5. Data analysis, dissemination, and scholarly activities

• Perform basic statistical analyses and generate descriptive summaries of study data using appropriate statistical software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R)
• Assist with literature searches and reviews
• Assist with manuscript preparation, including reference management and formatting, as needed
• Support the preparation of abstracts, presentations, posters, and other dissemination materials for scientific conferences and publications
• Assist with the development of grant proposals and other research funding activities 

6. Professional conduct

• Maintain compliance with institutional policies, research ethics, human subjects projections, and study protocols
• Perform other research-related duties as assigned 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field (nursing) OR

• Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience OR

• 4 years of relevant experience OR

• Equivalent combination of training and experience 

• Experience conducting human subjects research

• Experience with data collection or management of patient-reported outcomes in clinical or health-related research using REDCap

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and data security and handle sensitive information in accordance with institutional policies and applicable regulations
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills
• Ability to resolve issues as they arise while adhering to established study protocols and institutional policies
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to organize, summarize, and present research data accurately and effectively
• Proficiency with computer software and applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, REDCap, Endnote, and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Teams, Webex)
• Demonstrated ability to complete work accurately and on time
• Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, punctuality, and consistent attendance
• Commitment to supporting the goals and responsibilities of the research project
• Ability to perform the job duties with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in nursing or a health-related field
• At least 3 months of experience conducting human subjects research

• Clinical experience in oncology

• Experience with online survey research

• Experience with participant screening and recruitment

• Experience with regulatory documentation (e.g., IRB, OnCore, or sponsor reporting)

• Experience with manuscript preparation or scientific dissemination

• Ability to perform descriptive analyses using statistical software (e.g., SPSS or R)
• Knowledge of human subjects research regulations and ethical standards

Additional Details

Work is primarily performed remotely; however, on-site office work may be required based on study needs and at the direction of the PI. Work days and hours may vary depending on study activities. In-person attendance at regular research team meetings is required. Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary to accommodate participant availability.

Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: PART_TIME