Summary

The Center for Research Advancement is seeking motivated energetic candidates to join as a research coordinator for an innovative clinical research study on rare diseases. The coordinator will be integral to the study to identify gene variants that contribute to disease in childhood. The coordinator will interact with physicians and families to coordinate research activities, participate in study phone calls and protocol development. Responsibilities may include screening, enrolling, and conducting follow-up with research participants; conducting and monitoring data collection; evaluating effectiveness of various recruitment strategies and communicating with other study sites.

This role requires an understanding of genetic testing, including whole genome sequencing and RNA sequencing, as well as understanding the difference between targeted gene panels, whole exome sequencing, and whole genome sequencing. Coordinator will provide education to patients and families throughout the recruitment and enrollment process of genetic testing processes related to the study protocol. 
 

Job Duties

Coordinates day-to-day activities of research protocols, which include screening, enrollment, and monitoring of research participants. Ensures accurate data collection, documentation, organization and safety of research participants.

• Attend clinical team review meetings to determine referred subjects eligibility. 
• Collaborates with a team of 5+ clinicians within the study and dozens of referring providers to arrange consent procedures and follow up for the study subjects. 
• Involvement in team discussion aimed at determining subject eligibility as it relates interaction with other genetic studies, such as partnership with the Undiagnosed Diseases Network. 
• Discusses potential cases with physicians prior to enrollment.
• Interviews, screen and recruits patients for study; explains process and procedures to educate participant regarding the research study.
• Maintains databases, records and regulatory documents and records for research studies.
• Schedules research participant for tests and procedures and coordinates with DNA diagnostic and biochemical laboratories. 
• Retrieves and submits test results to appropriate party.
• Interfaces with the BCM Genome Center to ensure that orders are correctly written, correct sample tubes are provided, appropriated labeled, and delivered to the lab; communicate with the lab on all samples. 
• Corresponds with patient throughout study.
• Tracks subject progress both clinically and from a research perspective. Communicates status updates between research team, referring physician, and patient family. 
• Orders supplies and equipment.
• Maintains accurate logs.
• Participates in group phone calls and schedules with larger study groups.  
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field. Four years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
• One year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field. No experience required with preferred degree.
• Ability to understand the complexities of clinical trials and research protocols, including issues related to informed consent, access to data, and conflict of interest. 
• Strong attention to detail and data quality. 
• Skills: Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and In writing. Must be comfortable interacting with patient families in-person or by phone, explaining all aspects of the study, and answering questions. 
• Must have prior experience with computer spreadsheets and database management. 
• Prefer experience with electronic health records but not required.