Research Associate 1

Job Description

Under limited supervision, performs a full range of complex, non-clinical activities associated with the design, development, implementation, analysis, and presentation and publication of pediatric research projects. Works collaboratively with one or more Principal Investigators (PI) in designated clinical or program divisions on a variety of projects. Provides expertise in research methods and practices to increase research productivity.

Responsibilities

• Assists PI in the design and development of complex research projects. Activities may include: developing and writing research protocols; managing and summarizing literature searches; organizing supporting data and other documentation; preparing applications for grant funding from internal and external sources. 15%
• Provide support and management of research projects; including assisting with abstract preparation, manuscript writing, grant application writing, and qualitative and quantitative analysis. Have an understanding of cultural competency, health equity, health systems and health services research. 15%
• Prepares protocols, applications, continuations, amendments, and other regulatory documents and submits to the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Scientific Review Committee, and other agencies as required to meet study objectives. 10%
• Develops, evaluates, and/or implements data collection methodologies, database management systems, and data quality assurance procedures; may assist with data collection including abstracting information from paper and electronic medical records and other sources. 15%
• Conducts statistical data analysis and interpretation, independently or in collaboration with PI and other research staff; prepares tables and figures.
• Contributes to research reports, presentations, and abstracts/publications. 10%
• May perform non-clinical research activities related to the conduct of research studies, such as: interacting with research subjects to register, review eligibility, and obtain informed consent prior to participation; training and overseeing personnel involved in the study; monitoring compliance with protocol procedures and specifications; overseeing shipment of research specimens or transmission of research data; monitoring the budget; facilitating communication among internal and external study team members.
• Specific positions may need to serve as liaison to and maintains close relationships with study sites; coordinate daily activities of project including scheduling of site visits, focus groups, and interviews; assist in conducting interviews and focus groups; and schedule, coordinate and attend advisory board and other meetings. 15%
• Serves as a resource or mentor within own area of expertise across the organization's research infrastructure; may serve as a member of the Scientific Review Committee; may provide research support to students, trainees, and fellows as needed. 10%
• Maintains professional expertise through involvement in professional organizations and continuing education programs
• Demonstrates knowledge of the age-related differences and needs of subjects in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice
• Demonstrates support for the mission, values, and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with Connecticut Children's standards. 10%
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Education: Minimum educational requirement is Bachelor's Degree and Degrees in other areas may be substituted on a case-by-case basis.
• Experience: Four (4) years of relevant research experience.

Education and/or Experience Preferred:

• Education: Master's degree in a health care related field strongly preferred.
• Experience: Two (2) years of research experience in a relevant discipline with Masters.

License and/or Certification Required:

• CITI (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative) training required upon hire

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Research methods and principles, including protocol development, experimental design, data collection and management strategies, statistical analysis, and associated computer applications.
• Quality control methodologies related to research projects.
• Ethics regulatory requirements for human subject research (i.e., informed consent, IRB applications, FDA regulations, data confidentiality and patient safety monitoring, etc.).

Skills:

• Project management, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Windows environment.
• Intermediate to advanced skills in word processing, spreadsheet, data management, and database design (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access); intermediate to advanced skills developing presentations (Microsoft PowerPoint).
• Intermediate to advanced skills in a statistical software package (e.g., SPSS, SAS, JMP, STATA, Mplus).

Abilities:

• Work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a project team.
• Work with limited supervision and take responsibility for decision-making in area of expertise.
• Prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Independently organize, analyze, and interpret data for decision making.
• Attend to detail, problem solve, be organized, and work in a fast-paced environment.

About Us

Connecticut Children's is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children's offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.

At Connecticut Children's, treating children isn't just our job - it's our passion. As a leading children's health system experiencing steady growth, we're excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children's health and well-being as one team.