Job Information
The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York Research Assistant - Infectious Diseases in New York, New York
- Job Type: Support Staff - Union
- Bargaining Unit: SSA
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- Hours Per Week: 35
- Salary Range: $58,102.42 - $58,102.42
Position Summary
The Research Assistant will provide technical and research-oriented support within the Division of Infectious Diseases, for a diverse range of clinical research, educational, and clinical activities. This role will primarily contribute to studies relating to HIV (including HIV vaccines and prevention methods) as well as broader infectious disease research, including COVID-19, sexually transmitted infections, and related areas.
The successful candidate will become an integral part of a dynamic clinical research team committed to delivering excellence in clinical care, education, and research in the best academic tradition. Working alongside a multidisciplinary team, the Research Assistant will assist in the execution of biomedical research studies, including epidemiological, qualitative, and clinical investigations. This will involve research related to HIV, sexually transmitted infections, COVID-19, and assessments of attitudes towards HIV prevention, particularly among vulnerable populations such as women, men who have sex with men, and gender minorities. The Columbia P&S Clinical Research Site conducts both industry and NIH sponsored prevention and treatment studies.
The candidate will work under the general supervision of the principal investigator and may handle routine assignments as well as more complex duties. This position is contingent upon grant funding.
We seek a bright, self-motivated individual with exceptional organizational and communication skills, capable of both independent work and collaboration within a clinical research environment.
Responsibilities
- Assist with participant recruitment, screening, and education on study protocols, including administering questionnaires and collecting data in accordance with protocols.
- Schedule participant visits, ensuring accurate demographic recording in electronic medical records and databases, and maintaining proper documentation for tracking and quality control.
- Ensure proper collection, labeling, transportation, and storage of data and study samples per protocols.
- Assist with preparing clinical and laboratory materials and documentation, adhering to protocol procedures.
- Contribute to the design and development of educational materials for participants and providers.
- Execute complex tasks following standard protocols and operating procedures, including detailed observations and manipulations as per sponsor guidelines.
- Enter data into databases and engage in quality assurance activities to ensure timely and accurate data transmission.
- Assist in developing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs), including participant retention strategies.
- Support data analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
- Conduct informed consent procedures and obtain signed consent from participants.
- Responsible for picking up and properly documenting products from the pharmacy.
- Assist with clinic tasks, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, and ensuring exam rooms are properly stocked.
- Provide support during clinical research visits for patients in the Department of Infectious Diseases, including scheduling, check-in, and addressing administrative needs.
- Perform additional related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree and at least one and one-half years of related experience or equivalent in education, training and experience
- Strong decision-making skills, orientation to detail, and independent problem solving
- Must be able to maintain accurate records, handle multiple projects, and interact professionally at all levels
- Computer skills and strong communication skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, COVID-19, and prevention strategies
- Clinical and laboratory research
- Prior experience managing datasets
- Proficiency in Spanish language
- Phlebotomy training
Other Requirements
- The candidate selected for this position is required to undergo a drug screening test prior to a final offer of employment being made
- Participation in medical surveillance program
- Contact with patients and/or research subjects
- Potential bloodborne pathogens exposure
- Successful completion of applicable compliance and systems training requirements
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
Minimum Salary: 31200.00 Maximum Salary: 31200.00 Salary Unit: Yearly