Research Assistant, Biomedical Engineering

Job Description The Research Assistant role is part of the Biomedical Engineering work unit within the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering. The position is responsible for assisting with the implementation and management of clinical research studies investigating the neural basis of cognitive functions and developing therapies based on brain stimulation, in human patients. The candidate will work closely with principal investigators, study teams, and external partners to ensure the successful execution of research protocols, data collection, and regulatory compliance. Specifically, the coordinator will manage screening, implement recruitment procedures, and consent and enroll research participants. The position requires accurate and timely documentation and communication with Investigators, participants, IRB, sponsors, and other research-related entities. This position will also assist with maintaining equipment stock and basic administrative duties pertaining to the clinical trial.   The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt is unique among biomedical engineering programs in its immediate proximity to the world class Vanderbilt Medical Center, located on our compact campus. Our School of Medicine is among the top ten in funding from the National Institutes of Health and includes a National Cancer Institute-recognized Comprehensive Cancer Center, a major children’s hospital and a Level I trauma center. This proximity and the strong relationships among faculty across multiple schools stimulate high impact research and provide unique educational and research opportunities for students.
  Duties and Responsibilities

• Acts as a point of access for patients, referring providers, and the Vanderbilt community
• Serves as an advocate for human subjects by establishing and maintaining communication with Investigators, research staff, Sponsors, and participants
• Assists in the collection of behavioral and neurophysiological data from patients
• With assistance, prepares and processes new IRB, FDA, and ClinicalTrials.gov research protocols, amendments, annual reports, continuing review applications and adverse event reports according to institutional and departmental policies and procedures and federal regulations
• Participates in the determination of eligible candidates for study participation, assuring participants fulfill eligibility requirements
• Understand protocols and follow guidelines consistently, with guidance when necessary
• Understand the function of each procedure with safe and efficient performance
• Request laboratory equipment and supplies as needed
• Assist in the analysis of experimental data
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required. Degrees in the sciences or engineering (i.e. Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Psychology, etc.) are preferred. A combination of work experience and education may be considered.
• A professional attitude, high level of motivation, initiative and good work ethic is required.
• A minimum of 3 years work experience is required.
• An ability to maintain quality and safety standards is required.
• An ability to understand and follow complex, detailed technical instructions is required.
• Strong communication skills and collaboration are required.
• Higher education experience is strongly preferred.
• An ability to work independently with a high level of self-motivation is preferred.
• An ability to learn new skills quickly is preferred.
• Adaptability to ever changing projects and people is preferred.
• Computer and database skills are preferred.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

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