Research Assistant - Medicine
The University of California, San Diego
About this position
Position Description
The Department of Medicine (DOM) is the largest department within the UCSD School of Medicine and is responsible for fulfilling the teaching, research, and clinical missions of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. The department employs approximately 500 salaried faculty, 168 academic appointees, 331 residents, fellow and postdocs and 479 staff personnel. Under direct supervision, will recruit UCSD patients for sample banking. Duties will include assisting with identifying and obtaining informed consent from patients seen in clinics or inpatients; explaining the nature of the study; coordinating with clinical laboratory for appropriate blood samples to be drawn (may draw blood samples, as necessary if certified); and transporting samples to lab per specifications and process for storage. Biobanking will include specimen packaging and shipping to outside investigators as necessary. In addition, will be responsible for screening medical records relevant to medical data per protocol; assisting in creation and maintenance of a database that correlates samples with clinical data; recording patient data into appropriate databases; and performing long term follow up of participating patients. Will request ongoing medical data as applicable and will maintain overall quality of clinical data. Must maintain strict confidentiality. Other duties assigned as needed.
Qualifications
Theoretical knowledge in biological or life sciences. Demonstrated experience working in a biomedical research lab. Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory guidelines/requirements regarding biosafety and universal precautions in order to comply with state and university guidelines. Demonstrated experience working with clinical research protocols. Demonstrated ability and willingness to handle blood for processing and shipping. Demonstrated experience obtaining patient/participant consent to participate in research studies, with the ability to answer questions relating to study and convey pertinent information. Excellent organizational and time management skills to handle multiple projects and work at multiple locations. Extensive knowledge in database development and data entry procedures. Ability to develop methods to test for data validity as well as maintain high standards for accuracy. Ability to interact with a large variety of physicians, health care professionals, patients and families in a professional and pleasant manner. Demonstrated ability and knowledge of using computer software applications, including word processing and database applications. Ability to attend to detail, as required in file and record keeping duties. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.