Research Associate-Department of Nursing

Date: March 28, 2023

Title: Research Associate

Department: Nursing

School: Nursing

Location: Health Research Campus

Supervisor Name and Title: Dr. Jaclene A. Zauszniewski, Principal Investigator

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working with a high degree of independence and under general direction of the principal investigator, the Research Associate (RA) will be responsible for daily management and oversight of multiple research projects to ensure continuous study operations. The RA will serve as a liaison between the research teams and the community-based research sites for NIH-funded and other related funded caregiver research studies. Supervise all research staff working on the projects including recruitment of study participants, data collection, intervention delivery, data management, data analysis, and dissemination activities. The RA will be responsible for maintaining all records, annual reports to the Institutional Review Board (IRB), and progress reports to NIH and/or other funding agencies, and budgetary forms and budget management under the supervision of the principal investigator. Consult with PhD students on their research projects, under the direction of the principal investigator.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Manage and lead all aspects of the PI's study projects, including subject recruitment, data collection, scheduling of interventions, data management, data analysis, and dissemination activities. Direct the development study materials including instruments, questionnaires, and intervention materials with the principal investigator. Lead the development of data management systems. Direct and monitor internal audits for enrollment, randomization, data collection and intervention delivery procedures for protocol fidelity. Train and monitor staff in human subject protection and IRB and NIH certifications (e.g., CREC, Good Clinical Practices). Ensure protection of human subjects, including monitoring the informed consent process and adherence to the IRB protocol. Construct and revise as needed all study protocols. Submit continuing reviews to the IRB(s) and serve as lead contact person to IRB(s). Responsible for privacy and confidentiality of study records according to university and federal requirements. (35%)
2. Develop and update staff job descriptions and hire staff. Orient, train, and oversee training of new staff (and retraining as needed) in all aspects of study protocols, recruitment, data collection and management, intervention delivery, use of study equipment (e.g., BioRadio, Vivosense, iRelax), etc. Supervise and evaluate research staff, including Senior Research Associates, Research Assistants and Graduate Students, on a monthly and yearly basis for performance. Work with Human Resources' staff to resolve any interpersonal conflicts. Work with PI to mentor and consult with PhD students on their related research projects. (20%)
3. Oversee and conduct recruitment and enrollment of subjects and random assignment to study groups and delivery of interventions based on the study protocol. Coordinate the identification of community sites for participant recruitment, in accordance with IRB protocol. Construct and maintain monthly and quarterly statistics about enrollment and retention of study participants over time. Present data to study teams, Co-Investigators, Data and Safety Monitoring Committees (DSMC), and community partners. (15%)
4. Develop a budget accounting system and assume primary responsibility for balancing the budget and coordinating budget information with the CWRU Finance Office. Order and maintain supply of study equipment and supplies. Develop agenda and conduct weekly research staff team meetings. Maintain all study records in accordance with CWRU and NIH policies. (15%)
5. Report to the principal investigator about study progress. Write annual progress reports to the funding agency collaborating with the principal investigator and the Center for Research and Scholarship. Lead the implementation of data safety plans. Monitor and document adverse events. Report results to the PI, Co-Investigators, DSMC and IRB. Assist in preparation of grant proposals, abstracts, manuscripts, posters and research presentations. Present study findings to collaborators and other community agencies. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Encourage staff participation in School of Nursing and University activities and trainings (e.g., FPB GoldBag Research Seminars, other FPB events, Diversity 360 training, Safe Zone training). (1%)
2. Perform other duties as assigned. (4%)

CONTACTS

Department: PI, Co-I's, faculty, research staff and administrative staff (e.g., HR, Finance, Marketing, Center for Research and Scholarship)

University: Office of Project Administration, Institutional Review Board, Other Co-Investigators within the university, other departments such as purchasing, budget, accounting, legal, information resources and human resources as needed.

External: Supply vendors, other institutions, funding agencies, community partners, etc.

Students: Undergraduate and graduate student employees

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Hire, train, supervise and conduct annual reviews for Senior Research Associates, Research Assistants, graduate and undergraduate students who may assist with data collection, entry and analysis or who observe to learn about project and data collection.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Five or more years of relevant research experience, requiring technical, research and managerial skills at a level meeting or exceeding the requirements of an RA4 or a Nursing Project Manager. Project management in similar projects (caregiving research) is preferred.

Education/Licensing: Master's level degree in a relevant field.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

1. Demonstrated expertise in large-scale clinical research project management in a university setting.
2. Ability to effectively perform and train others in recruitment, enrollment, data collection, intervention delivery, data management, and dissemination of study data.
3. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals within and external to the University.
5. Strong organization skills: ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through. Must be able to work under pressure and conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline.
6. Excellent leadership and team management skills; ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from team members and staff.
7. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter.
8. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, excellent analytical skills, sound judgment and good decision-making. Must be flexible in order to respond to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently.
9. Excellent computer skills, including database management. Experience with SPSS, REDCap, heart rate variability data collection and analysis software required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Will work in research office area. May travel within study radius for recruitment and data collection. Work may involve evening and weekends based on study needs. Will need a reliable form of transportation to travel to recruitment venues.

Send inquiries containing a cover letter, CV with list of publications and contact information for three references to jaz@case.edu Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.