University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title
Clinical Research Assistant
Job Profile Title
Clinical Research Assistant A
Job Description Summary
The primary function of this position is to support the successful completion of the grant-funded research study by leading participant recruitment efforts for the randomized controlled trial survey. The Research Assistant will work on-site at participating clinics to implement recruitment strategies that align with established clinic workflows, collaborate with clinic leadership and staff, and maximize participant enrollment while minimizing disruption to routine clinical operations. This position is essential to meeting enrollment targets, maintaining study timelines, and achieving the grant's remaining research objectives.
Job Description
Job Responsibilities
Recruit eligible participants for the randomized controlled trial by conducting outreach, screening, and enrollment activities at participating clinics to meet study recruitment targets.
Collaborate with clinic leadership and staff to implement and adapt recruitment strategies that align with each clinic's established workflows and operations.
Educate potential participants about the study, obtain informed consent (as appropriate), answer questions, and facilitate survey participation in accordance with study protocols.
Maintain accurate recruitment, enrollment, and study activity records; enter and verify data in study databases while ensuring confidentiality and regulatory compliance.
Coordinate with the research team to monitor recruitment progress, identify barriers, and recommend process improvements to achieve enrollment milestones and maintain study timelines.
Communicate regularly with the Principal Investigator, project staff, and clinic personnel regarding recruitment status, scheduling, and operational needs.
Ensure all recruitment and research activities comply with Institutional Review Board (IRB), grant, and institutional policies and procedures.
Assist with preparation of recruitment materials, study documentation, and reports required for grant administration and project tracking.
Participate in project meetings, required trainings, and quality assurance activities to support successful study implementation.
Perform additional duties as assigned
CONTINGENT UPON FUNDING
Qualifications
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High School Grad/GED and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
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Experience interacting with research participants, patients, or commu nity members in a healthcare, research, or public health setting.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships with clinic staff and diverse participant populations.
Ability to explain research studies, follow standardized protocols, and maintain participant confidentiality.
Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience entering and maintaining accurate data in electronic databases.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a clinical research environment.
Ability to travel to participating clinic sites as required.
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Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience recruiting participants for clinical, public health, or behavioral research studies.
Experience working in outpatient or community healthcare settings.
Knowledge of human subjects research regulations, informed consent procedures, and Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements.
Experience with REDCap or other electronic data capture systems.
Experience working with federally funded research projects or grant -supported studies.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine
Pay Range
$17.86 - $20.66 Hourly Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
University Benefits
Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay
