Open Rank Professional Research Assistant

Open Rank Professional Research Assistant - 21457Research Faculty Description

University of Colorado – School of Medicine

Open Rank: Professional Research Assistant (PRA) & Sr. Professional Research Assistant (Sr. PRA)

Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine

Position Numbers: 00784253, 00784254, 00784256

The University of Colorado Denver l Anschutz Medical Campus seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.

The Division of Geriatric Medicine is filling three Professional Research Assistants (PRA) positions. Two will be for entry-level experience of 0-4 years and the other will be for a Senior level PRA with greater than 6 years’ experience.

Nature of Work

The Professional Research Assistant will be part of the Division of Geriatric Medicine, specifically in the IMAGE group. This position is a faculty research position with primary duties to conduct research in cardiac, vascular, metabolism, aging, gender and exercise. This position is not involved in the instructional program. This is a full-time, benefited position. The incumbent is not eligible for tenure and this is an at-will position meaning an employee can be terminated at any time without notice and severance pay may not be provided.

Professional Field

The area of research is in the areas of aging, metabolism, and exercise. Specific research topics are diverse and the incumbent will be expected to have some experience with clinical research.

Supervision Received

The incumbent will work under the supervision or at the direction of the Director of the IMAGE group and/or other researchers in the lab, including Principal Investigators, Professors, and/or Associate and Assistant Professors.

Supervision Exercised

The Senior level PRA will be responsible for supervising student workers and interns, junior PRAs, and any other part time personnel. This PRA will be responsible for teaching HIPPA-compliant clinical research skills to these additional staff members.

Examples of Work Performed

The PRA will manage the day-to-day operations of clinical research studies including, but not limited to, the following specific tasks:

• Completion of required regulatory documents and obtain necessary approvals from on campus administrative bodies (e.g., SARC, COMIRB)
• Maintaining OnCore Clinical Trials Management and clinicaltrials.gov profiles
• Coordinate and implement human subject recruitment
• Conduct phone screenings
• Consent qualified study participants
• Schedule and conduct study related visits and outcome assessments as required by the protocol, including but not limited to:
  • Obtain medical history, perform body composition scans, perform resting metabolic rate tests, assist with human fat and muscle biopsies and process human tissue, blood, urine and saliva samples.
• Research, develop, troubleshoot and perform molecular biology studies such as PCR, western blots,
• Assess, document and maintain quality control of all study-related data (using RedCap, OnCore)
• Data entry and quality assurance
• Maximize retention of study participants
• Track and report study related adverse events according to IRB guidance
• Prepare reports for study team meetings and annual IRB review
• Attend weekly research meetings
• Supervise students/part time PRAs who work in the laboratory
• Other duties, as needed, for study completion

Working Conditions

This is a full-time position with varying/flexible work hours, including some evening and/or weekend hours. The main work site will be located on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO. Telecommuting is an option for some responsibilities but is not an option during active research studies when participant visits are required.

Essential Functions

The incumbent must be able to lift at least 15 pounds, and able to sit or stand for more than 1 hour at a time. Incumbent must be able to work in a sterile hood.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary level for the entry-level PRA is $40,000-$45,000. Salary range for the senior level PRA position is $50,000-$65,000.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

The University of Colorado offers a full benefits package. Information on University benefits programs, including eligibility, is located at Employee Services.

University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks for all new employees prior to their employment.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. Alternative formats of this ad are available upon request for persons with disabilities.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits.

Total Compensation Calculator: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/total-compensation

Diversity and Equity:

Please click here for information on disability accommodations: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/human-resources/employee-relations-performance/ada-compliance

Office of Equity: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/equity

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful applicant should be motivated and able to work independently in an organized and efficient manner to manage clinical and preclinical studies. In addition, the PRA should have:

• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to develop a solid rapport with others
• Excellent oral and written skills with the ability to write and conduct daily communications
• Basic knowledge of data management, collection, quality control and analysis methods
• Be proficient with computer software including RedCap, OnCore, Microsoft Teams, Word, Outlook, Excel and Zoom
• Pass required research compliance courses (CITI and HIPAA training)
• Possess (or obtain) basic life support (BLS) certification and maintain certification throughout employment
• Be flexible in daily routine and hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed
• Have strong critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Be familiar with weighing chemicals and performing concentration and dilution calculations
• Compassion and experience working with research volunteers
• Ability to represent the University, Department, and Division, internally and externally, in a professional and positive manner

Minimum Requirements

For the entry-level position, qualified applicants must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, integrative physiology, exercise/applied physiology, or a related discipline. Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Windows applications is highly desirable.

For the Senior level PRA position, qualified applicants must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, integrative physiology, exercise/applied physiology, or a related discipline plus at least 6 years’ experience in clinical research. Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Windows applications is highly desirable.

Interested candidates must submit a cover letter detailing their previous work experience in relation to this job description, a resume, and 3 professional references.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

A Master’s degree and extensive experience managing clinical research studies are preferred.

Special Instructions to Applicants: REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS: 1). A letter of application which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications. 2). A current resume/CV. 3). List of 3-5 professional references. Reference checks are a standard step in our hiring process. You may be asked to provide contact information, including e-mail addresses, for up to 3-5 references if you are referred to the Hiring Authority for an interview. We will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references.
Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, List of References Application Materials Instructions: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Job Category: Faculty Primary Location: Aurora Department: U0001 - DENVER & ANSCHUTZ MED CAMPUS - 20194 - SOM-MED-Geriatrics Schedule: Full-time Posting Date: May 26, 2021 Unposting Date: Ongoing Posting Contact Name: Sarah Wherry Posting Contact Email: SARAH.WHERRY@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU Position Number: 00784253