Clinical Research Assistant 2

Department Overview

The Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences is an independent research institute within OHSU that is dedicated to health and safety in the workplace. The Institute receives its base funding from the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Fund and leverages this base funding to secure federal government grants in basic, clinical, and applied research. We perform biomedical/occupational research and innovation for a healthy workforce, aimed at promoting health and reducing disease and disability among workers across the nation, particularly in Oregon.

 

The Clinical Physiology and Chronobiology Program (CPCP) within the Institute specializes in clinical research on the effects of sleep and circadian rhythms on physiology and pathophysiology in humans.

 

The clinical research assistant 2 will work on various projects under the direction of Dr. Saurabh Thosar (PI), with immediate supervision by his senior research staff. whose research is aimed at understanding the effects of different physiological stressors (e.g., sedentary behavior, shift work) on the human physiology. Specifically, this research is interested in identifying mechanisms that increase cardiovascular risk in vulnerable people and to identify sustainable countermeasures.

 

Responsibilities include assisting with research projects in human volunteers, recruiting and enrolling volunteer study participants, screening volunteer research participants, and collecting data using a variety of noninvasive physiological monitoring devices (e.g., EKG, ultrasound vascular measurements, blood pressure, breathing, sleep, core body temperature). The clinical research assistant 2 will be responsible for data analysis, assisting with literature searches, preparing posters/presentations, and assisting with grant writing. This position will also carry out administrative tasks (e.g., preparing and submitting IRB documents) as needed.

Function/Duties of Position

• Assisting with several multi-day and overnight studies involving measurements of vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, etc.), vascular imaging (ultrasound), and sleep monitoring (electroencephalogram, actigraphy). 
• Recruiting, screening, and enrolling study participants.
• Compiling and analyzing study data. 
• Submitting documents to OHSU’s IRB and carrying out administrative tasks. 
• Assisting with literature searches, preparing posters/presentations, and assisting with grant writing. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field OR

• Associates degree AND 2 years relevant experience OR

• 3 years relevant experience OR

• Equivalent combination of training & experience

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
• Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Discretion when dealing with issues of a sensitive nature to maintain participant confidentiality
• Integrity in regards to interactions with others and in performing research
• Ability to gather, compile, analyze and maintain, in a range of formats, information from a variety of sources, including research publications, web sources, and internal and external contacts
• Ability to work periodic overnight and weekend hours while monitoring research participants

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in human physiology

• Experience in clinical research, especially related to human-subjects research

• Specialized experience in circadian rhythm or sleep research

• Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Discretion when dealing with issues of a sensitive nature to maintain participant confidentiality
• Integrity in regards to interactions with others and in performing research
• Ability to gather, compile, analyze and maintain, in a range of formats, information from a variety of sources, including research publications, web sources, and internal and external contacts
• Ability to work periodic overnight and weekend hours while monitoring research participants • Specialized experience with computer programing and/or digital media
• Experience working effectively with racially and ethnically diverse populations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and in a small group setting
• Ability to interact in a positive and productive manner with a diverse lab community
• Ability to be self-motivated, prioritize effectively, and achieve