Clinical Research Assistant I - Center for Autism Research, Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS)

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A Brief Overview
The Center for Autism Research (CAR) has a three-part mission: to better understand autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in order to develop effective interventions and supports through research; to serve the needs of autistic individuals and their family members through education and guidance throughout the lifespan; and to train the next generation of master clinicians and scientists in state-of-the-science best practices for autism screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Working at CAR provides the opportunity to be a part of innovative, breakthrough research on this complex developmental diagnosis that affects 1 in 36 people in the United States. Most studies at CAR involve behavioral evaluations, brain imaging, cutting-edge artificial intelligence methodologies, and understanding the genetics aimed at identifying the fundamental mechanisms of ASD.

We are seeking a full-time Clinical Research Assistant I (CRA I) who will work on the Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS) research team. This study focuses on understanding differences in brain development and includes three main cohorts: infants at high and low likelihood for autism and infants with Down syndrome, school age children, and adolescents. The primary experimental measure for this study is neuroimaging and the CRA will be actively involved in the MRI data acquisition, as well as additional modalities including EEG, eye tracking, and actigraphy, in addition to the general CRA duties described below.

The ideal candidates are highly organized, have excellent people skills, are self-motivated and curious, and possess an analytical mind. This position offers valuable clinical research experience in preparation for applying to graduate school. As a member of CAR, the CRA will have the opportunity to participate in outreach events and attend lectures and seminars on recent findings in autism research, allowing exposure to scientific and clinical leaders in the field.

Primary CRA duties may include but are not limited to: assisting in all aspects of participant recruitment, including contacting caregivers and teachers to obtain their consent, scheduling visits and information collection calls, distributing consent forms, and maintaining accurate records; collecting phenotypic data through various study paradigms in the lab (videotaping/audiotaping activities, experimental measures, one-on-one testing of children), collecting physiological data (body measurements, EEG, eye tracking), collecting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from either awake children or infants and toddlers during sleep, and administering phone-based standardized screenings or tests; organizing data collected through paper and pencil or online questionnaires and tests, compiling and reducing large quantities of data under the direction of the principal investigator; performing data entry, coding and analysis, including, entering testing data into databases and/or spreadsheets; assisting with IRB protocol amendments.

The CRA will work as part of a team composed of developmental psychologists, clinical psychologists, psychometrists, physicians, computer scientists, and other research staff. CAR is a collaborative environment; we are looking for self-motivated team players with excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills to support our research efforts. We are also prioritizing the participation of those families from minoritized backgrounds, so previous lived and/or professional experience with minoritized families is a plus, as well as any prior experience with some or all these duties ; however, many CRA duties can be learned on the job. Successful applicants will be fast learners who enjoy working in a bustling research environment.

What you will do

• Provide technical and administrative support in the conduct of clinical research:
• Patient/research participant scheduling
• Patient/Research Participant screening for inclusion/exclusion criteria or case history
• Data collection
• Data entry
• Data management
• Laboratory sample processing
• Clinical research study procedures or questionnaire administration
• Organization of research records and/or other study related documentation
• Research Study Compliance
• Adhere to IRB approved protocols and compliance with HIPAA and handling confidential materials
• Comply with Institutional policies, SOPs and guidelines
• Comply with federal, state, and sponsor policies
• Additional Responsibilities may include:
• Consent subjects, with appropriate authorization and training
• Document and report adverse events
• Maintain study source documents
• Complete case report forms (paper and electronic data capture)
• Assist with IRB/regulatory submissions
• Complete case report forms or other study documentation (paper and electronic data capture)
• Follow-up care
• Order materials/supplies
• Schedule research meetings

Education Qualifications

• High School Diploma / GED Required
• Bachelor's degree in psychology, child development, pre-med, or similar, with some prior research experience preferred.

Experience Qualifications

• Previous relevant clinical research experience Required
• At least one (1) year of relevant clinical research experience Preferred
• Experience with project coordination and oversight of volunteers or undergrad students Prefered
• Experience working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental disorder, and their families Preferred
• Experience working with racially and ethnically diverse populations and/or economically under-represented populations Preferred
• Experience working in clinical, medical, or community settings Preferred
• Experience collecting and working with physiological data (EEG, eye tracking, body measurements) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with IRB and human subject protection.
• Computer skills including Word, Excel, and database software is a plus
• Ability to function independently in a clinical research setting, and to take active direction from a supervisor.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to contribute as a team player.
• Excellent organizational ability and ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and pay attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential materials.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekend days to meet scheduling needs of study participants and their families.

To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.

Employees may request exemptions for valid religious and medical reasons. Start dates may be delayed until candidates are immunized or exemption requests are reviewed.

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