Research Assistant

General Job Description

The School of Nursing is seeking a hourly Research Assistant (RN Preferred) for the NIH-funded RECOVER Long-Covid Study including two supplemental studies, who has a strong interest in research regarding children, young adults, and families. The RA will assist with day-to-day operations of the RECOVER study and supplemental study visits and other activities as assigned. Major duties for this position are to schedule, organize and participate in-person visits; to engage in research coordination, data collection, & research communication; and to engage in regulatory requirements and other duties as assigned. The visits will be conducted in multiple locations including the VCU School of Nursing, VCU CARI center, VCUHS and within the community. This position may involve some evenings and weekends to accommodate the needs of the families in the study. These duties are fully described below.

Position Responsibilities
1. Research
Coordination & Data Collection
- Assist the team in managing the day-to-day operations of the project
- Follow all protocols as outlined in the RECOVER, POTS/PASC, Neuropasc and VCU-specific Manuals of Operating Procedures for smooth operation of all study procedures
- Organize, coordinate, and conduct data collection at study visits (including clinical assessments and phlebotomy); study visits will occur on any days/ times that are most convenient for enrolled families (i.e., days, evenings, weekends)
- Coordinate efforts in participant recruitment, enrollment, tracking, retention, data collection, and data checking, including working with the team members regarding enrollment and all aspects of study visits
- Coordinate participant tests and procedures
- Address potential adverse events in a timely manner by communicating with the family/ participant and the PIs according to the Manual of Operating Procedures
- Coordinate with the team to maintain inventory of study supplies
- Maintain effective communication with the PIs, lead research nurse, and other team members during all aspects of the study, including any concerns that arise with data collection, management, and similar

2. Research
Communication
Engage in effective recruitment and retention campaigns and community outreach efforts, including regular communication with the study’s community partners and participants
Maintain effective communication with research participants when engaging in recruitment, enrollment, tracking, retention, and data collection/ checking, including ensuring full and continuous informed consent/ assent as well as approaching participants/ families in a compassionate and humane manner appropriate for age
Engage in retention efforts by establishing rapport with participants and addressing issues as they arise in a timely manner
Assist the team in the preparation of research reports to the Clinical Science Core, IRB reports and amendments, and other reports
Participate fully in regular meetings with VCU site PIs, team members, and the larger Hub and RECOVER study meetings
Engage in clear and respectful communication and collaboration with all team members and PIs

3. Regulatory and Other Duties as
Assigned
Maintain current CITI credentials for Human Subjects Protections, Good Clinical Practice, and other certifications as required
Maintain required trainings for the RECOVER protocol
Understand and adhere to all IRB requirements, Human Subjects Protection regulations, and all aspects of IRB-approved protocol and Manual(s) of Operating Procedures
Support the research activities and team with other duties as assigned.
Support research activities of other studies in the School of Nursing, as needed.
Required Qualifications

- High school degree/ GED or higher
- Experience working in healthcare field or enrolled in a healthcare program of study or experience in research
- Experience working with children and/or young adults in a clinical or research environment
- Active driver's license and reliable mode of transportation as this job has multiple work locations
- Strong interest in children’s health and research
- Competence in Microsoft Office Suite
- Demonstrated ability to work with an interprofessional team and community members
- Ability to prioritize work requirements and multi-task in a fast-paced environment, working both independently and also seeking guidance from a supervisor and team members as needed, as demonstrated by an employment history showing relevant work experience
- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a team member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications

- Active license as a Registered Nurse in the state of VA or compact license
- Experience in clinical research studies
- Experience with phlebotomy and other clinical assessments/ data collection with pediatric and young adult populations
- Prior experience with electronic research databases (e.g., REDCap) and IRB system
- Experience with the REDCap, AMPS or AMBRA