Research Services Clinical Sciences Entry Professional

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Orthopedics

Job Title: Research Services Clinical Sciences Entry Professional

Position: #816974  - Requisition: #31552

Job Summary:

The Department of Orthopedics has an opening for a full time Clinical Sciences Entry Professional. The position will be part of the Colorado Program for Musculoskeletal Research's Interdisciplinary Joint Biology Program. The goal of this program is to learn more about the heterogeneity of musculoskeletal diseases to better understand resistance to therapy and identify unique cell signatures across the disease spectrum. 

The successful candidate for this position will work with the IJBP/MSK team to perform clinical research study visits, including obtaining informed consent, collecting data and study samples, and performing data entry. They will identify, recruit, and schedule subjects from Orthopedic clinics. They will assist with processing study samples, including blood and tissue samples. This position will also perform blood processing to include peripheral blood mononuclear cells, tissue disaggregation, and DNA/RNA extraction. The position will also entail sample management (e.g., labeling, storage, shipping, receiving), quality control activities, and inventory and supply ordering for the lab and the associated studies. This position will have an active role in re-organization of samples and freezers as well as help with a variety of sample and shipping projects on a regular basis. This position may also involve tissue processing to include histology sectioning and staining (paraffin embedded or cryopreserved tissues), RNA Scope analysis of gene expression, and immunohistochemistry analysis of preserved tissues and through the Molecular and Tissue Imagining Core. Must be willing to travel on a regular basis to collaborating University of Colorado clinics throughout the Denver Metro region and work early mornings.

Examples of Duties Performed 

• Assist with and oversee the day-to-day operations of clinical trials and studies.
• Obtain study subject's medical history and current medication information, reviews research protocol inclusion/exclusion criteria, and confirms eligibility of subject to participate in clinical trial.
• Perform informed consent process or ensures that the informed consent process has occurred, is properly documented, and that informed consent form documents are filed as required.
• Interview prospective subjects for a variety of research clinical trials. Educate potential subjects on the details of the studies through phone contacts and personal interviews.
• Schedule subject participation in research clinical trial, coordinating availability of necessary space, and clinical research support (e.g., physician, nurse practitioner, laboratory, radiology, pharmacy)
• Collect, code, and analyze data obtained from research in an accurate and timely manner.
• Adhere to research regulatory standards.
• Maintain detailed records of studies to ensure compliance with requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), study protocols, department, hospital/clinical standard operating procedures and other regulatory guidelines.
• Participate in subject recruitment efforts, including communicating with patients expressing an interest and all pre-screening/screening activities.
• Ensure that the necessary supplies and equipment for studies are in stock and in working order.
• Collaborate with the program manager and the PI to help facilitate study visits across the Orthopedic clinics.
• Recruit, screen, and enroll subjects who qualify for the Interdisciplinary Joint Biology Program.
• Perform all duties required for clinical study visits, including obtaining informed consent, collecting questionnaire data and study samples, and data entry.
• Potential phlebotomy
• Interact with study participants via phone, email, and in-person.
• Perform sample processing of blood and tissue to include PBMC processing.
• Sample and freezer tracking and management.
• Histology-based methods, with training and supervision within the Tissue and Molecular Imaging Core

Why Join Us:

The Colorado Program for Musculoskeletal Research (CPMR) is situated in the Research Division of the Department of Orthopedics and including investigators across the 4 University of Colorado Campuses focused on musculoskeletal research.  The position provides access to unique resources, including several core facilities with state-of-the-art infrastructure, an education program that includes a formal curriculum, a visiting scientist speaker series, an annual symposium, and a weekly grant development meeting for PIs and trainees, and formal opportunities to establish and nurture mentor-mentee relationships to support trainee career progression.  The department's overarching mission is to provide the highest quality, professional, and innovative care through the integration of comprehensive education and cutting-edge research.  We place a high level of importance on achieving and maintaining a diverse environment that fosters excellence and rewarding opportunities.

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off - vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness.

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty, and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a science discipline
  • A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of laboratory experience
• Experience processing peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
• Prior sample management experience
• Experience with web-based tracking systems (i.e. REDCap, OnCore) and Microsoft Office programs
• 2 years experience in a clinical research and/or a wet lab
• Experience developing, amending, and executing human protocols, and interaction with the COMIRB in each of these aspects.
• Experience with other tissue/blood analytic platforms
• Phlebotomy experience certification in phlebotomy

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work in clinical research with study participants to include aspects of study visits (recruitment, informed consent, data collection and entry)
• Knowledge of musculoskeletal tissue collection including synovial biopsy
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including patient sensitivity.
• Enthusiasm for this project and other scientific endeavors in the lab

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1.     A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.

2.     Curriculum vitae / Resume

3.     Three to five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address.

Questions should be directed to: Thomas Roller, Thomas.roller@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. 

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $47,084 - $60,000

The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.