Research Assistant - Preventive Medicine
Columbia University Irving Medical Center · New York, NY
- On site
- Full-time
- $61,692 / year
- New York, NY
Job highlights
- Support clinical research in preventive medicine.
- Assist with data and specimen collection.
- Coordinate research visits and participant enrollment.
- Manage study documentation and databases.
- Requires science degree and related experience.
About the role
Research Assistant - Preventive Medicine
Columbia University Irving Medical Center is seeking a Research Assistant to provide entry-level clinical research, laboratory, and administrative support for research studies within the Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition. This role supports the execution of approved research protocols and assists Principal Investigators and senior research staff with data collection, participant coordination, and regulatory documentation.
Responsibilities
- Assist with the coordination of research visits and study activities to support timely and accurate data and specimen collection.
- Review research protocols and study documentation to develop an understanding of study requirements.
- Maintain required work logs and participate in regular meetings and training activities.
- Support research participant recruitment and enrollment activities as directed.
- Schedule study visits, assessments, and appointments according to approved protocols.
- Prepare visit packets and study kits; scan, redact, and upload documents into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
- Assist with obtaining required documentation and signatures under supervision.
- Deliver research specimens to laboratories for processing in accordance with established procedures.
- Assist with packaging and shipping correlative specimens to external sponsors in accordance with laboratory manuals.
- Support investigational product requests, delivery, and returns to the Research Pharmacy as directed.
- Assist in assembling, organizing, and entering clinical research data under supervision.
- Help maintain sponsor, departmental, and institutional databases and tracking logs.
- Communicate with clinical teams, laboratories, and internal departments to support data accuracy and compliance.
- Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, physics or related science.
- At least 1.5 years of related experience or equivalent in training and/or experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to follow established procedures and work effectively under supervision.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Prior exposure to a clinical research, healthcare, or laboratory environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel); ability to work on both Mac and PC platforms.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Other Requirements
- The candidate selected for this position is required to undergo a drug screening test prior to a final offer of employment being made.
- Participation in the medical surveillance program: Contact with patients and/or human research subjects; Potential bloodborne pathogen exposure.
- Successful completion of applicable compliance and systems training requirements.
Key skills/competency
- Clinical Research
- Data Collection
- Participant Coordination
- Regulatory Documentation
- Protocol Execution
- Specimen Handling
- EMR Systems
- Microsoft Office
- Communication Skills
- Organizational Skills
Skills & topics
- Research Assistant
- Preventive Medicine
- Clinical Research
- Data Collection
- Participant Coordination
- Laboratory Support
- Regulatory Documentation
- Specimen Processing
- EMR
- Columbia University
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your science degree, 1.5 years of relevant experience, and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Emphasize relevant skills: Showcase your attention to detail, organizational abilities, and communication skills in your application.
- Understand the role: Clearly articulate your understanding of clinical research protocols and data management.
- Prepare for interview: Be ready to discuss your experience in healthcare or lab environments and your ability to follow procedures.
- Research Columbia's values: Align your application with Columbia University's commitment to hiring qualified local residents.
Technical preparation
Review study protocols thoroughly.,Practice data entry and organization.,Familiarize with EMR systems.,Gain basic lab specimen handling skills.
Behavioral questions
Describe attention to detail in past work.,How do you manage multiple tasks?,Explain teamwork in a research setting.,How do you handle following procedures?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the salary range for the Research Assistant role at Columbia University Irving Medical Center?
- The salary range for the Research Assistant position at Columbia University Irving Medical Center is $61,692.40 to $61,692.40 annually. The final salary will be determined by factors such as departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.
- What are the minimum educational and experience requirements for the Research Assistant position?
- The minimum requirements include a Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, physics, or a related science, along with at least 1.5 years of related experience or equivalent training and experience.
- What kind of support does the Research Assistant provide in the Preventive Medicine division?
- The Research Assistant provides entry-level clinical research, laboratory, and administrative support. This includes assisting with data and specimen collection, coordinating research visits, managing documentation, and supporting participant recruitment and enrollment.
- Is experience with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems required for this Research Assistant role?
- While not explicitly listed as a minimum requirement, proficiency in scanning, redacting, and uploading documents into the EMR is part of the role's responsibilities, suggesting familiarity or the ability to quickly learn is beneficial.
- What are the 'Other Requirements' for the Research Assistant position at Columbia University?
- The selected candidate must undergo a drug screening, participate in a medical surveillance program due to potential exposure to patients and bloodborne pathogens, and successfully complete compliance and systems training.
- Does Columbia University Irving Medical Center prioritize local residents for this Research Assistant job?
- Yes, Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents for this Research Assistant position.