Summary

Seeking a motivated, detail-oriented, experienced research coordinator to co-manage recruitment and retention activities for the SPARK study (www.sparkforautism.org/TexasChildrens) at the Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital site. Responsibilities include multi-strategy recruitment efforts (via in clinic, health-record communications, social media, community events); supporting families through the entire research process; monitoring data collection and data quality, including saliva collection; evaluating effectiveness of various recruitment strategies; and performing all study related activities in accordance with IRB guidelines and ethical practices. 

Job Duties

• Screens and recruits participants for SPARK.
• Explains all processes and procedures to potential participants, as well as risks and benefits of participation.
• Supports families with study registration by phone, email, and/or during live enrollments events.
• Collects saliva samples for genetic analysis on children and adults during events and clinic appointments.
• Corresponds with participants as needed throughout the study to answer questions, resolve problems, and provide support with the return of genetic findings.
• Uses research functions within the electronic medical record (Epic) to effectively identify and recruit potential participants.
• Creates and manages Excel spreadsheets to aid the study team in outreach efforts and evaluation of best-practice-alert initiatives.
• Collects, ships, and maintains paperwork for biological specimens, according to procedures outlined in the study protocol.
• Co-organizes frequent live enrollment events at the Autism Center or in conjunction with community partners.
• Presents updates on study progress, recruitment strategies, and other study-related efforts to providers, hospital administrators, and the study sponsor.
• Cooperates in discussions during weekly team meetings and network conference calls.
• May travel for recruitment events, the annual SPARK meeting, and other outreach opportunities.
• Evaluates and analyzes data.
• Works alongside the principal investigator to complete IRB protocols, modifications, and continuing reviews. 
• Conducts literature searches and summarizes information in appropriate formats for presentation, publication, and/or grant submissions.
• Volunteers to assist other team members with overflow duties. 
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Other

Work is located in clinics, hospitals, office areas, and community-partner sites where there are potential exposures to blood borne pathogens (blood and/or other potentially infectious materials), drugs, chemicals, radiation, and physical hazards. Patient interaction and interaction with other employees is required. Some evening and weekend hours are required in support of recruitment events/activites. There are sometimes requirments to exert physical effort (e.g., moving boxes, transporting materials/study supplies to events). 

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Three years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in a related field and at least one year of relevant research experience.
• Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Must be comfortable calling families by phone, explaining all aspects of the study, and answering questions.
• Must be comfortable performing assessments with participating and being trained/evaluated by trainers/senior clinicians and being videotaped. 
• Must have prior experience with computer spreadsheets (Excel) and database management. 
• Prefer experience with electronic health records but not required.
• Prefer experience with REDCap but not required.
• Prefer experience with IRB protocol development and grant writing but not required.