Clinical Research Technician/Clinical Research Assistant (Underfill)

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

We are seeking highly motivated, detail oriented, and self-led candidates to be part of our growing team of researchers dedicated to improving public health, reducing stigma from substance use, and enhancing access to care and well-being. 
 

The Clinical Research Technician  will support day-to-day study activities on one or more multi-year research studies. Tasks include study participation outreach and engagement, enrollment and data collection, and administrative support for study activities and interventions. Additionally, tasks may include conducting and interpreting assessments, qualitative interviewing, risk assessments, supporting staff training, and database maintenance. Other day-to-day study-related tasks may include assisting with recruitment and informed consent, participant tracking, writing and testing study procedures, data entry and coding, quality assurance procedures, etc. 
 

This position is a great opportunity to gain additional training and expertise in content areas including substance use disorder care in the community, motivational interviewing approaches, qualitative interviewing and analysis and others. The Clinical Research Technician will also gain key skills in human subjects research process from start to finish, gain experience in 1:1 participant contact and expand knowledge on the intersection of community engagement and innovative research to improve risk reduction and substance use prevention services, particularly in underserved rural areas. This position provides the opportunity to work with a thriving and positive team, connect directly with patients and community experts, support the delivery of user-centered tools and interventions, and opportunities for career mentoring and growth in the field of substance use disorders.

Responsibilities*

Experience as part of a team with all 8 competency domains is expected:

• Scientific Concepts and Research Design
• Ethical Participant Safety Considerations
• Investigation Products Development and Regulation
• Clinical Study Operations (GCPs)
• Study and Site Management
• Data Management and Informatics
• Leadership and Professionalism
• Communication and Teamwork

In this role, the Clinical Research Technician will:

• Perform in-person and remote participant facing research activities including (but not limited to): engaging potential participants, screening for eligibility, conducting informed consent procedures, coordinating and scheduling research visits, and completing data collection and entry via survey/qualitative interviews/panels, etc.
• Support research administrative tasks including (but not limited to): obtain and monitor recruitment supplies, participant remuneration, quality assurance audits, database development/testing, staff training on RA tasks
• Enter research data into database software and support database management, troubleshooting, and refinement (e.g REDCap, Qualtrics, MS Excel)  
• Adhere to institutional regulations and study protocols related to patient confidentiality, safety, data integrity, and quality, as well as study scripts, workflows, documentation requirements, and standard operating procedures.
• Provide support for project interventions (i.e., connecting patients with community resources , navigating patient contacts, conducting risk assessments)
• Administrative tasks: work alongside project staff to ensure successful completion of daily operations. Assist with event scheduling and planning, including monitoring continuing education credits and supporting advisory boards. May help with writing and implementing study procedures.
• Escalate complex clinical, ethical, safety, regulatory, or protocol-related concerns to study leadership in a timely manner.
• Additional tasks as necessary to meet the goals of the grant and study participants.

Required Qualifications*

• The job will require engaging clinics and staff in rural communities; therefore, strong interpersonal skills that foster collaboration, including excellent assessment and written and verbal communication skills is required.
• Excellent assessment and written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow strict study protocols, regulatory rules, and data entry requirements is required.
• Ability to take independent initiative, with strong attention to detail and organization. Excellent multi-tasking and problem-solving ability, and strong record-keeping skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrate strategic thinking, planning, and problem-solving skills. Strong time-management skills and ability to set and meet goals, working both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work and engage with teams remotely, thus ability to independently navigate technology and remote communication is required.
• Ability to cultivate safe and professional working relationships with colleagues on research teams and at research sites, and study participants.
• Ability to work with and advocate for a diverse range of participants (staff and patients) is required as role will serve a widespread and vulnerable population.
• Ability to work and engage with participants and teams remotely; therefore, access and comfort with technology, remote communication, virtual meeting platforms, and electronic documentation systems is required.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel to the office in Ann Arbor, MI, with possible travel to rural clinics or community sites throughout the State of Michigan.

Clinical Research Technician  

• Associate degree in Health Science or an equivalent combination of related education and experience is necessary. 

• Minimum 1 year of directly related experience in clinical research and clinical trials is necessary. (Please review SoCRA's Definition of a Clinical Research Professional for qualifying experience prior to applying.)  

   

  or 

• An advanced degree in a health-related areas such as: Health Sciences, Behavioral Sciences, Public Health, Health Care Administration, Clinical Research Administration, Social Work, Psychology, Epidemiology, Foreign MD.
  or

• Minimum 3 years of human subject experience (clinical, lab or health regulations) such as related patient care, related community health and wellness, related clinical information, and research.  

Underfill title of Clinical Research Assistant:

• High school diploma or GED is necessary. 

Desired Qualifications*

• Bachelors degree in Health Science or an equivalent combination of related education and experience is desirable.
• An understanding of medical terminology, experience in a large complex health care setting, ability to effectively communicate with staff and faculty of all levels, and knowledge of university policies and procedures is desirable.
• 1-3 years of experience in human subjects research post-bachelor's, including the areas of substance use, behavioral and mental health.
• Previous clinical research experience. Research involving hybrid in-person and remote recruitment strategies is desired.
• Experience using MS Excel, REDCap, Qualtrics, electronic medical records, and other tools for project tracking and data collection.
• Prior training and experience working with patients and/or substance use populations, including strategies to reduce risks from substance use and help prevent overdose.
• Familiarity with patient care and clinical care environments, including in mental health, primary care and/or addiction clinics.
• Experience working with and advocating for rural or underserved populations with substance use and other mental health conditions.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world?s most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Schedule

The person in this position will be responsible for completing a schedule consisting of 40 hours a week, usually held within 5 days. 

Our typical workday is either 9am to 5pm or 8am to 4pm based on manager's approval. Some weekend or evening shifts will be needed to meet the goals/needs of the research grant(s). 

Flexible hours are available for staff while we work remotely for participant-facing or research activities only or based on manager discretion and approval.

Work Locations

Candidates for this position may be required to visit community sites and collaborate with research partners (including the Department of Veterans Affairs) throughout the State of Michigan, thus must have reliable transportation to meet the in-person requirements of the role, when necessary. 

The hybrid model of this position may change based on research/grant needs or University of Michigan policy updates. 

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at the CRC -Assistant title based on the selected candidates' qualifications.

Additional Information

Interview Note: Due to the nature of this position, we will not consider candidates who use generative artificial intelligence during the interview process.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

In addition to the screenings indicated above under Michigan law, a criminal history check including fingerprinting is required as a condition of transfer or employment for this position.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

E-Verify

The University of Michigan participates with the federal EVerify system. Individuals hired into positions that are funded by a federal contract with the FAR EVerify clause must have their identity and work eligibility confirmed by the EVerify system.  This position is identified as a position that may include the EVerify requirement.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.