Research Assistant - WVU Cancer Institute/Clinical Research Trials

The Health Science Center Cancer Institute is currently accepting applications for a Research Assistant.

About the Opportunity

The primary responsibility of this position is to provide comprehensive research support to the Biospecimen and Translational Research Analysis Core (BioTRAC) by coordinating participant screening and enrollment, obtaining informed consent, collecting and processing human biospecimens, managing specimen inventories and distribution, and collecting and maintaining associated clinical research data. This position supports translational and basic science research conducted through the WVU Cancer Institute by ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant execution of research activities in accordance with approved protocols, institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. Responsibilities require strong organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive tasks while providing high-quality research support to investigators and contributing to the integrity of biospecimen resources and research data.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

The responsibilities described below are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Additional duties may be assigned as needed:

1. Screen clinic schedules and evaluate potential research participants for eligibility according to approved study protocols.
2. Obtain informed consent from research participants in accordance with IRB-approved protocols, institutional policies, and regulatory requirements.
3. Coordinate with investigators, physicians, clinic staff, and research personnel to facilitate participant enrollment, specimen collection, and study activities.
4. Monitor participant treatment schedules and follow-up visits to coordinate research specimen collection and associated clinical data acquisition.
5. Serve as a liaison between BioTRAC and investigators by coordinating research activities, scheduling meetings, assisting with study implementation, and resolving routine operational issues.
6. Receive and process human blood, tissue, and other biological specimens collected through approved clinical and research workflows, including specimens obtained from patient care areas, clinics, and the surgical pathology gross room.
7. Receive, accession, process, aliquot, preserve, store, and distribute biospecimens following BioTRAC standard operating procedures.
8. Perform thromboelastography (TEG) testing on human blood samples and accurately document and report results according to established protocols.
9. Prepare reagents, media, and laboratory solutions required for specimen processing and research procedures.
10. Perform laboratory procedures and operate laboratory equipment in accordance with established protocols.
11. Clean, disinfect, and maintain laboratory equipment, glassware, and work areas while ensuring the proper handling and disposal of biological and hazardous materials.
12. Collect, abstract, enter, and maintain clinical and research data in electronic databases, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and other research databases.
13. Design, build, maintain, and update research databases used for biospecimen tracking, clinical data collection, and research studies.
14. Maintain accurate specimen inventories, chain-of-custody documentation, and specimen distribution records. Coordinate preparation and release of biospecimens to internal investigators in accordance with approved protocols, BioTRAC policies, and specimen request procedures.
15. Prepare de-identified clinical data extracts, research summaries, and study documentation for investigators in accordance with approved protocols and BioTRAC policies.
16. Review research data and laboratory records for accuracy, completeness, and quality, resolving discrepancies as appropriate.
17. Compile reports, maintain required research records, and assist with data analysis and study reporting as requested.
18. Adhere to approved research protocols, BioTRAC standard operating procedures, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Human Subjects Protection requirements, HIPAA regulations, biosafety standards, and institutional policies.
19. Maintain confidentiality, security, and appropriate access controls for participant information, biospecimens, and research data.
20. Participate in required regulatory, safety, and continuing education training (e.g., CITI training) and assist with protocol implementation, quality improvement initiatives, and other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences, biology, health informatics, or other related field
• A minimum of six (6) months of experience in the following:
  • Lab experience
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.

• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of clinical research principles, human subjects protections, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and applicable regulatory requirements, including HIPAA, IRB policies, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standards, and institutional procedures.
2. Knowledge of biospecimen collection, processing, storage, laboratory safety practices, and quality assurance/quality control principles.
3. Knowledge of medical terminology, diagnoses, treatment modalities, and medical record review.
4. Knowledge of database management, electronic data capture systems (e.g., REDCap), and clinical research documentation.
5. Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
6. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with patients, investigators, clinical staff, and research personnel.
7. Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining specimen integrity, data accuracy, and research quality.
8. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other research-related software applications.
9. Ability to receive, process, document, track, and distribute biological specimens while maintaining specimen integrity, chain of custody, and regulatory compliance.
10. Ability to read, interpret, and apply research protocols, standard operating procedures, and regulatory documents.
11. Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
12. Ability to learn and operate specialized laboratory equipment, including thromboelastography (TEG) instrumentation.
13. Experience working in a clinical research, laboratory, healthcare, or biomedical research environment preferred.
14. Experience obtaining informed consent, interacting with research participants, processing human biospecimens, maintaining research databases, and performing research data entry and quality control preferred.
15. Understanding of the role of biospecimens and clinical data in supporting translational and clinical research.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.