Research Assistant II - IUCAR

The Center for Aging Research is searching for a research assistant to join Dr. Malaz Boustani's research team. The research team works on the Delirium and Neuropsychological Recovery among Emergency General Surgery Survivors (DANE) study.

The DANE study focuses on patients > 65 who have undergone major surgery. We are studying how to help with their complex recovery, both physically and mentally. We are looking for a person to be able to screen and recruit patients in a hospital setting (Eskenazi, University, Methodist, IU Health North, IU Health West). All data is entered into REDCap. Outcome assessments are performed every 6 months in the study participant's home for facility, which can be up to 1 hour 45 min away (mileage is reimbursed). These assessments (e.g. RBANS, PHQ-9, GAD-7, SF-36) are used to gather information about their emotional, cognitive, and physical health.

POSITION PURPOSE
The Research Assistant II provides various types of support for research studies as determined by research protocols that require a more independent skill set.

This is an on-site position based in the Indianapolis area, with anticipated travel to hospitals, clinics, and participant homes. The role is expected to require multiple days of travel per week, depending on business needs.

JOB KNOWLEDGE
Job knowledge focuses on the understanding and skills one needs in order to perform well in this role. It also focuses on the expectation to continually refine and improve the required skills by seeking out internal and external learning opportunities.
Related expectations include:

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  Is aware of basic concepts, practices, and procedures in:
  
  
  
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    Office and administration procedures
    
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    Standard office equipment software applications
    
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    Arranging schedule to maximize efficiency and meet deadlines
    
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    Data privacy practices and laws
    
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    Working with the public (customers, patients, co-professionals)
    
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    Quantitative and qualitative interviews
    
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    Maintaining files and important documentation
    
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    Higher level understanding of study protocol
    
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    Eye for efficiency in all study aspects
    
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    Human Subjects Certification required
    
  
  
  
  

PERFORMANCE AUTONOMY
The performance autonomy competency focuses on the level of independence one has when performing the work. Time-management skills are also a factor in this competency.

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  Successfully completes all training for precise delivery of study subject assessments (including but not limited to: neuropsychological battery, mini mental status exam, geriatric depression scale)
  
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  Travels to subject's homes to perform interviews and complete assessments
  
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  Reviews paper or electronic medical records to determine eligibility of patient for study.
  
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  Works with clinic staff to determine optimal time for approaching subjects.
  
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  Assists Research Coordinator in developing advertising and other recruitment tools.
  
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  Recruits patients marketing the benefits of the study, obtaining informed consent, completing all necessary documentation, and conducting final screening.
  
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  Provides education to patient regarding trial participation including information regarding incentives.
  
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  Documents subject feedback, critically assesses, and presents potential solutions to study team.
  
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  Travels to subjects homes to perform interviews and complete assessments.
  
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  Arranges transportation and parking for subjects.
  
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  Completes electronic entry of study data in a timely and accurate manner and participates in quality audits.
  
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  Securely maintains study files in an organized manner and assists new staff in doing the same.
  
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  Ensures availability of supplies and equipment and initiates purchases as necessary to meet the needs of the study
  
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  Participates and provides input to study quality improvement and progress meetings to continuously improve study processes, efficiency, security and compliance.
  

DECISION MAKING
The decision-making competency focuses on how much one is expected to make decisions when performing the work. It is directly aligned with the performance autonomy competency.
Related responsibilities include:

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  Makes day to day decisions within standard guidelines
  
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  Anticipates deadlines or milestones that put the study at risk
  
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  Anticipates needs of study assignments
  
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  Seeks guidance and provides potential solutions when deviations from assigned work tasks, guidelines or processes arise.
  
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  Proactively informs supervisor of deviations from IRB approved study protocol and recommends next actions.
  

CREATIVITY
The creativity competency focuses on the amount of design, development, and problem-solving creativity expected in the role.
Related responsibilities include:

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  Uses creativity to develop efficient subject recruitment process.
  
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  Uses creativity to develop solutions which improve guidelines, processes and standards.
  
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  Significant contributor to troubleshooting problems.
  

TEAMWORK AND MANAGEMENT
The teamwork and management competency focuses on the interaction and collaboration between team members. It also focuses on the ability to manage people and projects. Inherit in this competency is the ability to communicate orally and in writing and to improve communication skills as time and experience progress.
Related responsibilities include:

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  Provides cross-coverage support to other research projects
  
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  Attends staff meetings and contributes to in-service training as required
  
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  Provides study operation training to other staff as necessary.
  
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  Performs all tasks to company standards with limited direct supervision
  
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  Performs miscellaneous tasks as assigned by the supervisor and actively seeks additional tasks as time permits
  
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  Handles sensitive situations with demonstrated poise, tact, and diplomacy
  

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

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  High school diploma and one year of research, healthcare, or related experience. OR Bachelors plus some healthcare setting experience.
  
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  Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  
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  Ability to inform study leadership about study progress and suggest solutions to problems.
  
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  Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
  
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  Experience in medical setting /health-related research following protocols and citing literature preferred.
  

LANGUAGE SKILLS

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  Ability to interact and verbally communicate with a variety of employees, hospital staff, and hospital patients and study leadership.
  
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  Ability to write simple reports and operational correspondence.
  
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  Ability to read and follow general policies, procedures, and study protocols.
  

REASONING ABILITY

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  Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  
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  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form as well as act as contributor
  
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  Ability to think logically in order to troubleshoot, analyze situations, and make sound decisions.
  

TECHNICAL/COMPUTER SKILLS

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  Proficient computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and
  e-mail systems.
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

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  This position requires the physical ability to work 40 hours per week including the flexibility to work overtime to meet deadlines.
  
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  This position requires the ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.
  
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  This position requires the manual dexterity to operate a keyboard and pointing device.
  
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  This position requires the ability to travel around campus or to outside meetings as necessary.
  
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  This position requires the ability to perform focused work with close attention to detail.
  
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  This position requires good speaking and listening skills.
  
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  This position requires some physical activity, such as pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, and moving (up to 20 pounds).
  
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  This position requires successful completion of a TB screen.
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

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  This work takes place in an office environment, hospital environment, subject homes, and various community partner locations for meetings, interactions with subjects, and training purposes.
  
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  This work is sometimes fast-paced and deadline-oriented and requires a flexible work schedule.
  
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  Use of business office equipment, machinery, and moving objects is necessary.
  
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  Use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.
  
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  This position requires working as a team member and also independently.
  
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  This position requires working and interacting with others, both in person and through phone, e-mail, and written correspondence.
  

BENEFITS OF WORKING HERE

• Work with a variety of diverse professionals in the healthcare industry
• Free parking
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Group Life and Voluntary Term Life insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 403b Retirement Plan with gracious employer contributions
• Fitness program
• Pet insurance
• Qualified employer for loan forgiveness

Please note sponsorship and/or relocation are not available for this position.

REGENSTRIEF INSTITUTE REQUIRES ALL EMPLOYEES TO RECEIVE THE INFLUENZA VACCINATION ANNUALLY UNLESS APPROVED FOR EXEMPTION