Institute for Medical Research at the Durham VA Health Care System

Patient Recruitment Assistant I

PI: Dr. Stephen Freedland

The Institute for Medical Research, a nonprofit organization that conducts cutting edge research for the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS), is seeking to hire a Patient Recruitment Assistant I. This position is ideal for a highly motivated individual with considerable patient or direct outreach experience, or who is highly skilled in customer service and/or relations, and who may have an interest in clinical research. The successful candidate will be employed in the laboratory of Dr. Stephen Freedland, a nationally recognized leader in cancer and urology research.

The Patient Recruitment Assistant (PRA) I is primarily involved with the recruitment and enrollment of research study participants and implementation and execution of several clinical research projects, which may also include the acquisition and maintenance of large amounts of clinical data from medical records and questionnaires. In this position, the incumbent will have the opportunity to work with a highly productive and dynamic team of MDs, PhDs, and clinical trials personnel. The PRA will gain considerable knowledge of clinical research methods, particularly related to patient outreach and recruitment.

This is a time-limited position contingent upon funding and the anticipated appointment is for an 8-month term. Additional time in position may be extended based on future opportunities and funding. 

Location:  This is a hybrid position. IMR employees must reside in the state of North Carolina.

Duties and Responsibilities:

RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct phone screens for patient inclusion in research studies
• Review patient’s basic medical information to determine eligibility
• Strive to meet patient enrollment goals
• Work with and communicate effectively with a nationwide Veteran population
• Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to safety and compliance regulations
• Work in compliance with study protocols and SOPs
• Troubleshoot and modify protocol implementation when necessary
• Collect and maintain data going into study-specific databases and spreadsheets
• Participate in and work effectively with a team
• Contribute to project-related meetings and seminars

Patient Outreach and Study Recruitment:

• Contribute significantly to patient outreach, interaction, and successful recruitment to a variety of sponsored research studies
• Conduct phone screens for patient inclusion in research studies
• Interact with potential study participants remotely, primarily via phone or mail
• Appropriately catalogue and maintain strict recordkeeping any outreach or interaction undertaken with national VA patients, including communication via mail and phone
• Strive to meet patient enrollment goals

Data Quality and Compliance:

• Assist in maintaining patient-oriented data used in support of analytical and/or research projects related to oncology and sponsor-funded studies
• Review patient’s electronic medical record information to determine eligibility and conduct electronic database entry, as needed
• Perform efficient and accurate data abstraction and entry into database systems
• Adhere to internal standards of procedure, good clinical practice, and other IMR/VA policies
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times

Teamwork and Motivation:

• Work effectively with other team members as part of a team
• Complete tasks independently and manage personal workflow
• Communicate effectively with team members in both a written and oral manner

Non-critical Elements:

• Troubleshoot and modify protocol implementation when necessary
• Recommend new methods for data collection and documentation
• Assist other research personnel

Qualifications/Experience:
Requires an associate’s degree and a minimum of two years of experience in a patient-facing, customer service, marketing, or sales role. A bachelor’s degree may be considered in lieu of years of experience.

• Prior experience in patient or customer-facing roles, particularly remote or phone-based, is required.
• Basic computer skills are required, with experience using MS Access and MS Excel preferred.
• Experience working with or engaging in outreach with military personnel or veterans is strongly preferred and prior marketing and/or sales experience will be considered.
• Candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills, professional telephone etiquette and manner, strong interpersonal skills, and clearly exhibit an ability to provide excellent “customer/patient service”.
• Applicants must be detail oriented, organized, flexible and reliable.
• They must be able to work independently in a fast-paced environment, prioritize and manage the workflow of multiple projects.
• Professional initiative and teamwork abilities are required.
• Prior experience with clinical research, lab work, FDA regulations, HIPAA considerations and consenting process is preferred.
• Applicants must deal diplomatically and professionally with administration, faculty, clinical and lab personnel, and subjects.
• Applicants must be fluent in English.
• The prior statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements and activities that are required to perform the essential functions of the position include, but may not be limited to, as follows:  Must be able to occasionally lift, pull and push a minimum of 40 pounds, stand for extended periods of time, sit for extended periods of time, squat, kneel, and stoop, regularly use fingers, hands for computer work.

Supervisory Controls: The position of Patient Recruitment Assistant I – Time Limited is under the direct supervisor of the Research Team Lead.

The prior statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Salary Range or Rate of Pay:  $22.25 per hour

Status: Non-Exempt

Start Date:  Expected start date will be 4- 6 weeks after the offer but is somewhat flexible and contingent upon completion and approval of VA paperwork.

Employee Benefits: IMR offers a competitive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, short and long term disability insurance. IMR offers a matching 403b retirement savings plan, and paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave. Please visit https://imr.org/benefits/ for information about employee benefits.

All IMR employees are required to obtain a Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointment at the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS).  As a result, the successful candidate must undergo a federal background check and may be subject to a physical and drug test. Participation in the vaccination programs may be required for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointments. We will not sponsor applicants for work visas.  

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled persons and Veterans.

Click here to apply to this position and others directly on the Institute for Medical Research Careers Page!