Clinical Research Specialist in Neurology & Neuroscience

HOUSTON METHODIST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Currently accepting applications, as of November 2024.

JOB SUMMARY

The Nantz National Alzheimer Center seeks a highly motivated research coordinator, with an interest in cognitive sciences and neuroimaging, to participate in groundbreaking research to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease.  The successful candidate is expected to test patients with dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases, assist with preparation of research reports and grant applications, maintain databases, and conduct statistical analysis of research datasets.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PEOPLE

1.    Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI), draft various communications with the Sponsor and/or regulatory documents to be sent to the Sponsor.

2.    Identifies and recruits clinical research subjects and monitors enrollment goals.

3.    Obtains Informed Consent from study participant and documents appropriately.

SERVICE

1.    Participate in the Investigator meetings.

2.    Schedules, coordinates, and participates in the pre-site visit and site initiation visits; coordinates study initiation.

3.    When appropriately trained and tested for competency, obtains vital signs and performs phlebotomy; monitors participants’ labs and notifies the PI of laboratory findings.

QUALITY/SAFETY

1.    Prepares IRB documents under the direction of the PI, assists with answering IRB stipulations to obtain final approval; documents IRB approval and contract approval.

2.    May conduct in-services to floor nurses/physicians; assists in precepting new clinical research staff and educating other research staff regarding scientific aspects of studies.

3.    Maintains and monitors source documentation and appropriate forms as per protocol for quality and accuracy, including participant records; assists with the quality assurance process.

4.    Adheres to internal controls established for the department.

FINANCE

1.    Assists with the budget development and Medicare Coverage Analysis.

GROWTH/INNOVATION

1.    Assist PI and/or research nurse in the planning and design of source documents for protocol.

2.    Assists in developing procedures for laboratory collection and storage.

3.    Incorporates directions from other health care disciplines into clinical research protocols when reviewing patient eligibility; assists in eliciting relevant data from sources outside of the hospital.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Knowledge in relevant therapeutic area preferred

Time management skills

Ability to understand and implement protocols

Experience with computer database management

Knowledge of Microsoft Office

Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security.

Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Patient care unit conditions

Some assignments may be in hospital units or laboratory with typical hospital environmental hazards and concerns

Universal precautions required

Significant potential for exposure to latex

Contact: Applicants should e-mail (1) a letter of interest, (2) CV, and (3) three references to Belen Pascual, PhD (bpascual@houstonmethodist.org)

Start date: Immediate. This position will be closed once the ideal candidate has been selected.