Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator

Overview

Working under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and Clinical Research Supervisor at the UCSF Memory and Aging Center, the Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator (ACRC) facilitates communication between research participants and faculty/study teams. This role supports and coordinates clinical research studies focusing on neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center projects, comprising clinical trials and observational studies often spanning multiple sites.

Key Responsibilities

The ACRC's primary duties include understanding and applying study protocols, screening and enrolling participants according to eligibility criteria, coordinating various study-related visits (neurological exams, nursing interviews, biospecimen collections), and promoting participant retention throughout the study duration. Additional tasks might involve aiding in MR image acquisition, administering cognitive tests, data entry, resolving discrepancies within research databases, and developing flow sheets and source documents as needed.

Duties Breakdown

• Manage patient referrals and recruitment across studies, track visits, tests, procedures and ensure adherence to protocols.
• Document and report adverse events to university and regulatory bodies.
• Coordinate collection of specimens including blood and spinal fluid.
• Participate in weekly team meetings and patient case reviews.
• Secure insurance approvals for tests and procedures.
• Collaborate with team to code and document toxicities and adverse events.
• Abstract clinical data from medical records and enter neuropsychological test data with quality control.
• Maintain patient charts and regulatory binders for monitoring visits.
• Create data presentations such as tables and flow charts reflecting progress.
• Verify patient medical history for eligibility, schedule visits, tests, and follow-ups as per study protocol.
• Register and randomize patients in trials and studies.
• Compile field notes summarizing patient interviews, clean and manage data, assist in report and table preparation.
• Support qualitative data analysis, including transcript review for research insights.
• Assist in preparing study protocols, designing flow sheets, data forms, and source documents.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma with relevant experience and skills to fulfill role responsibilities.
• Background via work or coursework in neuroscience or neurodegenerative diseases.
• Capability to work autonomously and collaboratively in multiple team settings.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Adaptability to a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines and project targets.

Preferred:

• Experience interacting with patients and families, notably with older adults.
• Courses in neuroanatomy.
• Familiarity with or certification in medical terminology.
• Excellent communication skills for drafting study documents and engaging stakeholders.
• Scientific writing experience reflected in abstracts or publications.
• Understanding of IRB protocols, HIPAA, and Good Clinical Practice standards.