CLINICAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST, SR

School of Medicine

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

 

Occupational Summary 

Performs a variety of research, data, and clerical duties of a routine and technical nature to support the conduct of clinical research under the supervision of a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) or similar Clinical Research Unit (CRU), Oversight Organization (OO) designee. Participates in day-to-day operations related to the collection, compilation, and documentation of clinical research data and may train Clinical Research Specialists (CRSs) in these tasks. 

 

Work Performed

Operations: 50%

Knowledgeable in regulatory and institutional policies and processes; applies appropriately in study documentation, protocol submissions, and SOPs. May train others in these policies and processes. Assists with study level documentation and approvals for international studies. Under supervision, assists with managing investigational products including arrival, storage, and handling (requisitions, inventory, and reordering). Under supervision, prepares for study monitoring and audit visits. Maintains participant-level documentation for non-complex (e.g., questionnaire, data registry, scripted) studies outside of the EHR. Follows SOPs and strategies to manage and retain research subjects. Recruits research participants according to study protocol. Screens participants in person or over the phone for non-complex studies (e.g., questionnaire, data registry, scripted) or may collect information from the EHR to assist study team in determining eligibility. Follows SOPs. Independently employs simple procedures for collecting, preparing, processing, shipping, and maintaining inventory of specimens. Assists with establishing and maintaining study level documentation. Schedules participants for research visits (excluding those requiring EHR access). Prepares necessary documents, equipment, supplies, etc. in compliance with the protocol. Conducts and documents non-complex visits and scripted testing or interviews. May manage participant payment. Participates in study team meetings.

Ethics: 10%

Recognizes known potential adverse events, identified in the protocol or investigator brochure, and reports to study team. Conducts and documents consent for participants in non-complex studies or minimal risk studies as defined by the IRB. These studies may include protocols with blood draws, repositories, survey studies, simple observational studies, and studies that do not involve investigational products or devices. Not permitted to tee up orders for second signature in Maestro Care. Assists with the development of consent plans and documents for participants. Under supervision, for non-complex studies (e.g., survey studies and registries), develops and submits documentation and information for IRB review.

Data: 20%

Enters and collects basic data for research studies. May score scripted or validated tests and measures. Independently corrects and documents incomplete, inaccurate or missing data for non-complex studies. Follows SOPs for quality assurance. Runs summaries and reports on existing data. Follows required processes, policies, and systems to ensure data security and provenance. In addition, recognizes and reports security of physical and electronic data vulnerabilities. Learns and uses new technology when required. Under supervision, assists in preparing tables, data visualizations, and lay summaries to communicate study results to participants. Assists in updating reports on study progress for the PI and other study team members and collaborators.

Science: 5%

Assists with simple literature searches. Under guidance, develops elements of research protocols for simple studies (e.g., registries, survey studies). Provides some contribution to scientific publications or presentations (no authorship).