Clinical Research Nurse

Part time position for a Clinical Research Nurse in the Behavioral Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychology. The incumbent will assume full responsibility for coordinating a research study (the PaTH project) funded by a research grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute studying how early life experiences impact the physical health of men. Must be a qualified research nurse to oversee and coordinate all aspects of this study and assume full responsibility for conducting physical health and medical history screening and assessments, collecting biological samples (blood and urine) and overseeing the processing of these samples, clinical monitoring of participant wellbeing, and oversight of long-term sample storage and inventory. Will supervise and train two staff members, a graduate student researcher, and multiple undergraduate research assistants. Coordinates with groups at the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University. Responsibilities includes oversight of subject recruitment and of participant visits, adherence to the study protocol, preparing and maintaining IRB compliance materials, oversight of the budget, ordering supplies, maintaining financial records, oversight of participant payments, coordinating weekly staff meetings, working with the data manager to assure integrity of data, and assisting with manuscript and NIH progress reports. Responsible for oversight, verification, and quality assurance of all data collected in the PaTH study.

The Clinical Research Nurse will provide oversight of research participant health screenings, procedures, clinical monitoring, and collection of, processing, and storage of biological samples for at least six National Institute of Health sponsored research projects. Will be capable of overseeing research activities, supervising and providing expert advice to staff who conduct physical health screenings, and being on call to address participant health issues. Responsible for ensuring that staff adhere to protocols; complies with Good Clinical Practice (GCP). The position will involve oversight of phlebotomists, assistance with blood draws, and provision of medical support to participants across research studies when/if problems arise. Duties will include ensuring biological sample quality across studies.

The incumbent will work alongside multiple PIs involved in ongoing research studies to contribute to the design of protocols, and will contribute to the interpretation and publication of research experiments. Fiscal responsibilities include monitoring expenses related to sub-contracts both at Pitt and outside Universities as well as preparing budgets and forecasting supply needs.

Computer skills are a must including but not limited to knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Access and other relational databases. Must have excellent organizational skills and pay special attention to detail. The candidate must be a Registered Nurse with at least five years of research and supervisory experience.

The incumbent should be independent, responsible, and able to ensure a safe work environment and maintain all regulations – OSHA and IRB as well as adhere to Good Clinical Practice guidelines. The candidate must have strong interpersonal skills, be able to sensitively interact with staff and research participants, and be able to handle confidential information. The individual must have supervisory experience and show willingness to lead by example. Will work closely with principal research investigators to support the success of the program of research.

Manages patient/subject recruitment for multiple, simultaneous studies and identifies and enrolls patients into clinical trials utilizing appropriate enrollment standards. Oversees day-to-day implementation of study protocols/clinical trials as well as medical histories and lab values. Performs technical nursing duties and neuropsychological testing, responds to all medical emergencies, prepares accurate documentation for human research studies, and assists in the preparation of abstracts and manuscripts for publication. Ensures all protocol and regulatory standards adherence.

The position includes phlebotomy and laboratory bench work. This work involves precision and requires normal eyesight, good fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination, sustained attention, and the ability to move easily around the laboratory. More general requirements include mental and interrelation activity. Ability to use telephone, clear verbal communication, use of computer keyboard, and ability to hear participants.

The incumbent must be able to sit for long periods, bend over participants, and move easily around the research space. No heavy lifting is required.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.