Clinical Research Assistant I (Bilingual/Spanish Speaking) - Center for Autism Research (CAR)

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A Brief Overview

The Center for Autism Research (CAR) is conducting a wide range of studies seeking understand autism spectrum disorder and to explore effective interventions and other supports for families throughout the region who have a family member with an autism diagnosis. Working at CAR provides the opportunity to be a part of innovative, breakthrough research on this complex developmental condition that affects 1 in 31 people in the United States. Most studies at CAR involve behavioral evaluations, brain imaging, and/or genetics aimed at identifying the fundamental mechanisms of ASD.

We are seeking a full-time bilingual Spanish-speaking Clinical Research Assistant I (CRA I) to collaborate on different projects at CAR, including social and emotional development, non-social features of autism, supporting the transition to adulthood, clinical trials, and the relationship of motor and social development among youth with and without an autism diagnosis.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, has excellent people skills, is self-motivated and curious, and possesses an analytical mind. Project coordination is a key part of these positions, requiring the CRA to organize workflows, oversee work-study students, effectively assign and monitor multiple tasks simultaneously, and work closely with their study Principal Investigator (PI) on progress reports for federally funded research.

CRA duties may include but will not be limited to: assisting in all aspects of participant recruitment, including contacting autistic people, their caregivers, and teachers to obtain their consent, scheduling visits and data collection calls, distributing consent forms, and maintaining accurate records; collecting phenotypic data through various study paradigms in the lab (videotaping/audiotaping activities, one-on-one testing of children), collecting physiological data (electrophysiology, heart rate, skin conductance), collecting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from either awake adolescents or toddlers during sleep, and administering phone-based standardized screenings or tests; organizing data collected through paper and pencil or online questionnaires and tests, compiling and reducing large quantities of data under the direction of the PI; performing data entry, coding and analysis, including coding/transcription of videotaped and audio recorded data, entering testing data into databases and/or spreadsheets, statistical analysis of data using statistical software and R; assisting with IRB protocol amendments, poster presentations, and publication preparation (including conducting literature reviews, creating figures, etc.). This role requires communicating with and supporting participation of Spanish-speaking families in research.

The CRA will work as part of a team composed of clinical psychologists, physicians, and computer scientists. CAR is a collaborative environment; we are looking for self-motivated team players with excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills to support our research efforts. Prior experience with some or all of these duties is a plus but is not necessary, other than this position must be fluent in Spanish and English; many Research Assistant duties can be learned on the job. Successful applicants will be fast learners who enjoy working in a bustling research environment.

What you will do

• Provide technical and administrative support in the conduct of clinical research:
• Patient/research participant scheduling
• Patient/Research Participant screening for inclusion/exclusion criteria or case history
• Data collection
• Data entry
• Data management
• Laboratory sample processing
• Clinical research study procedures or questionnaire administration
• Organization of research records and/or other study related documentation
• Research Study Compliance
• Adhere to IRB approved protocols and compliance with HIPAA and handling confidential materials
• Comply with Institutional policies, SOPs and guidelines
• Comply with federal, state, and sponsor policies
• Additional Responsibilities may include:
• Consent subjects, with appropriate authorization and training
• Document and report adverse events
• Maintain study source documents
• Complete case report forms (paper and electronic data capture)
• Assist with IRB/regulatory submissions
• Complete case report forms or other study documentation (paper and electronic data capture)
• Follow-up care
• Order materials/supplies
• Schedule research meetings

Education Qualifications

• High School Diploma / GED - Required
• Bachelor's degree in psychology, child development, pre-med, or similar, with some prior research experience - Preferred

Experience Qualifications

• Previous relevant clinical research experience - Required
• At least one (1) year of relevant clinical research experience - Preferred
• Experience with project coordination and oversight of volunteers or undergrad students a plus.
• Experience working with children and adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disorder and their families is preferred.
• Statistical knowledge and interest; ability to use/learn a statistical software package (e.g., SPSS, R) is preferred.
• Computer skills including Word, Excel, stimulus presentation software (e.g., python, MATLAB), and database software are preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to function independently in a clinical research setting, and to take active direction from a supervisor.
• Familiarity with IRB and human subject protection.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to contribute as a team player.
• Excellent organizational ability and ability to multi-task, handle deadline-related stress, meet deadlines, and pay attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential materials.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including up to two evenings per week and up to 1 weekend day per month.
• Ability to communicate fluently in English and Spanish to support enrollment and participation in research

Individuals in this role are or may be required by the hospital system to provide oral language assistance as part of their assigned job responsibilities.

Proficiency in speaking and understanding both spoken English and Spanish, including any necessary specialized vocabulary, terminology and phraseology, is defined as the ability to effectively, accurately and appropriately communicate directly with individuals with emerging English proficiency (EEP).

Proof of proficiency for all Qualified Bilingual Staff may be documented with the Language Services Division by:

Achievement of a passing score on an oral language proficiency examination administered by a third-party agency which would include demonstration of the ability to communicate fully and effectively in the language of the test; or, Obtaining a waiver of the examination by submitting documentation of completion of a secondary diploma or higher education degree in a language other than English; or, Providing proof that the candidate has taken the same assessment from the same testing company and the score meets the CHOP standard for passing scores.

Note that an individual who meets the definition of Qualified Bilingual Staff is not necessarily qualified to interpret or translate for individuals with emerging English proficiency unless that individual has undergone medical interpreter training and meets state and national requirements for medical interpreters or for interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, as verified by the Language Services Division.

To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, professionals working onsite-at any CHOP location, for any portion of time-must be vaccinated for COVID-19. Learn more.

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