Clinical Research Assistant

Department Overview

The primary mission of the Division of Oncological Sciences at OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute is to better understand cancer through basic, translational, and population-based research that improves cancer prevention, detection, and treatments for all. Our community of faculty, trainees, and staff brings together scientists from a broad range of disciplines and works collaboratively to advance innovation and translate discoveries from the lab into meaningful impacts for cancer patients and our community. Centered on team science, our research is organized around four areas: Precision Systems Oncology, Cancer Data Science (includes Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, and Biostatistics), Chemical Biology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Cancer Data Science. A foremost priority is to better understand cell plasticity by gaining the ability to experimentally decipher transitions from normal to cancer, cancer to metastasis, and metastasis to resistance.

Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles:

• We act BOLDLY-Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
• We SUPPORT each other-Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
• We work as a CONNECTED team - We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone

Function/Duties of Position

We are seeking a full-time research assistant to work on multiple ongoing clinical research studies in people with cancer. The individual in this position needs to be highly motivated and interested in being a key member of a research team studying the impact of cancer treatment and exercise on the health and survival of people with cancer. This person will be part of a core clinical research team who collaborates with a larger multi-disciplinary team with expertise in exercise physiology, oncology, and health. In general, the responsibilities for this research assistant position are to recruit research participants, coordinate and conduct data collection, communicate regularly with research participants, oversee REDCap survey maintenance and survey completion by participants, and ensure the overall conduct of clinical trials.


It is expected that this person will be able to work independently, with general supervision, and ensure that tasks are completed accurately and on time. They will need to communicate any problems and concerns and propose solutions to the Project Director, Lab Manager, and/or Principal Investigator of the projects. A strong passion for recruiting participants in clinical settings and by phone is essential. They may also be expected to develop databases, participant tracking systems, and standard operating procedures to be used in research projects. Additional tasks related to the conduct and dissemination of clinical research may arise. Familiarity conducting clinical research in older adults and/or clinical populations at OHSU is strongly preferred. A person who has excellent organization and data management skills, excellent oral/written communication and interpersonal skills, can work independently, identify and solve problems, and thrive in a team environment is a must. The person hired must be CPR/First Aid certified (OK to obtain upon hiring). This is a grant funded position for up to one year but may be extended depending on project needs and funding.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in relevant field OR Associate's AND 2 years of relevant experience OR 3 years of relevant experience AND Equivalent combination of training and experience
• Ability to recruit participants in clinical settings and by phone
• Ability to communicate clearly and consistently, demonstrate a high level of professionalism and interact well with participants and medical staff
• Ability to attend to details and complete assignments with minimal direction
• Familiarity working with Word, Excel, and other MS Office programs
• Data collection and entry experience
• Excellent verbal communication skills in English language

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in exercise science, health promotion, nutrition, health education, nursing or related field
• Prior experience conducting research at OHSU
• Experience working with older adults and/or clinical populations
• Familiarity with REDCap, OnCore, Epic, and other OHSU systems

Additional Details

Apply online. Please be sure to upload a Cover Letter and Resume/CV.


We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage at no or low cost to employees
  • Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
• Several retirement plans to choose from with contributions from OHSU
• 208 hours of PTO per year
• 8 days of sick time off
• 9 paid holidays per year
• Commuter subsidies
• Tuition reimbursement
• Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
• Annual Merit Increase
• Growth/Development Opportunities
• Employee discounts to local and major businesses

#linkedin #indeed #knightcancerjobs #knightresearchandlabjobs #knightclinicalresearchjobs #knightinternal

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center.

In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

All are welcome.

OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.

To request reasonable accommodation, contact View email address on click.appcast.io