Buck Institute for Research on Aging
live better longer
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Competitive salary (starting at $50 – 65k/ year) commensurate with experience plus benefits.
- Minimum of 24 h per week up to full time (negotiable)
- Onsite position
- Position eligible for benefits including health insurance, paid parental leave, PTO and 401k (+ 5% employer match after 1 year).
POSITION SUMMARY
The Buck Institute recently began its first clinical research studies to investigate the effects of food on aging in older adults (NCT05585762). We are looking for an organized and motivated Clinical Research Associate to join our team to help execute the day-to-day logistics and communications required for successful running of the study, to assist with the conduct of the study visits to the Buck, and to process biospecimens and data collected during the study.
This position is an ideal opportunity for recent graduates seeking research and publication experience required for future graduate/medical school applications. The successful candidate will work alongside the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Newman, an MD PhD and practicing geriatrician, Investigator Dr. Brianna Stubbs PhD, who has 10+ years of experience in clinical research, and the study Nurses who have 30+ years of clinical practice, as well as one other clinical research coordinator. As clinical research is relatively new at the Buck, the team is small, and candidates should expect to get hands-on experience across the lifecycle of clinical study execution; we all work together to make sure that no balls are dropped, and all the work gets done. It will be a rewarding and challenging experience for a highly motivated individual who has the confidence to execute tasks independently but also to ask for help when needed.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain up-to-date records of interested participants, schedule and conduct participant phone screening ahead of in-person screening, track participants’ progress through the study and schedule and monitor email reminders.
- Prepare paperwork and supplies, and coordinate logistics for sample analysis ahead of in-person study visits.
- During study visits, assist the Clinical Research Nurse to explain study procedures to participants, answer questions about the study and carry out basic clinical procedures including blood ketone and glucose measurement, physical function testing and administer questionnaires. Build a rapport with the study participants to ensure they enjoy their visits and increase retention.
- Ensure compliance with the study’s protocol by providing thorough review and documentation at each subject study visit.
- Extract and digitize data from written case report forms; carefully preserve data integrity.
- Process bio specimens collected during the study, ship to analytical lab or archives as required. Conduct basic wet lab assays using the archived blood samples.
- Participate in data analysis, interpretation, write-up, and dissemination.
- Communicate regularly with the PI about study-related issues.
- Maintain confidentiality of all patient-related records including written and verbal communications.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
- BA/BS or equivalent background in Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field.
- Experience with, or interest in, Clinical Trial conduct and operation.
- Experience in a wet lab with basic analytical techniques and assays.
- Strong interest in the science of healthy aging and translating basic science research into clinical interventions.
Skills
- Detail oriented and meticulous in all aspects of work.
- Strong follow through skills and ability to proactively identify and solve problems; demonstrated initiative is imperative.
- Must have professional demeanor and strong communication skills with the public, other providers, and co-workers.
- Works well independently and in a team environment.
- Strong interpersonal and ‘customer service’ skills are critical.
Desired skills
- Proficient with email, calendar scheduling, Microsoft Excel, Google Drive, and able to learn to utilize platforms such as FitBit app, ASA24 diet log, Redcap.
