Research Assistant - Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry

The Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry Department at West Virginia University Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for a Research Assistant.

About the Opportunity

The Research Assistant, with direction and oversight from the Principal Investigator and Research Coordinator, will serve as a critical staff member and study liaison for study patients enrolling in a clinical trial for opioid use disorder.

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• Paid Time off (PTO)
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
• A range of health insurance and other benefit
• Dependent Education Scholarship
• WVU Perks

What You'll Do

• The RC will work with the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry (BMED) staff and community-based referral sources to identify potential study subjects. Assist RC in screening patients for eligibility based on information collected from patients and from review of patient's medical chart, applying established protocol inclusion/exclusion criteria.
• Conduct screening, consenting and randomization activities in accordance with the MOP and local SOPs. Explain all aspects of study participation to eligible patients as well as educate eligible patients on scope of study and participation. Obtain signed consent/HIPAA forms and contact info from patients who agree to participate. Review and ensure consent documents are complete and accurate.
• Manage initiation of subject treatment based on randomization using study medication, under supervision of the site PI and Medical Clinician and Research Pharmacist; interact with research pharmacy and Medical Clinician (MC) to ensure that correct medication is delivered to CRC and administered to subject.
  
• Complete structured questionnaires and assessments with subjects and review for completeness and accuracy; schedule dates/times with subjects for collecting follow-up study data.
• Perform follow-up study visits for each participant according to study protocol, MOP, and local SOPs. Perform data abstraction and complete visit checklist/progress notes for all visits.
  
• Collects and processes biological samples.
  With appropriate training, may assess vital signs, height, and weight.
  
• Complete daily temperature logs for study supplies.
  
• Manage subject study protocol in collaboration with the PI, ensuring subsequent research activity is strictly followed based on corresponding protocol.
  
• Address patient/provider medical concerns and respond appropriately with limited supervision.
  
• Process and track study payments to participants.
  
• Attend weekly research team meetings.

• Bachelor's degree in public health, healthcare, social work/counseling/psychology or a related discipline.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in the following:
  
  
  
  • Experience working with patients in a clinical or research setting.
  • Conducting in-person and telephone interviews; knowledge of research methods and protocols (preferred).
  
  
  
  
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong oral communication and people skills.
• Highly self-motivated and independent.
• Organized and detail oriented.
• Able to interact in a non-stigmatizing way with individuals with substance use disorders.
• Able to effectively efficiently and independently work under pressure with competing demands and within a multi-disciplinary team.

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University. We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.