Junior Medical Scientist

Job Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will provide research support for principal investigators and other investigators for projects addressing ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic research. These include two federally funded multi-year qualitative research studies, "Patient Supported Approaches to Gene Editing (PaSAGE)" and "Emerging Challenges in Newborn Screening: Benefits and Harms of Receiving Uncertain Prognoses After NBS." These projects both use study ethical and social issues in biomedical research, clinical care, and public health using qualitative social science methods. Other projects may involve the Bioethics Center for Community Health ANd Genomic Equity (CHANGE). The duties of the research assistant may include literature reviews, conducting interviews, and coding and analyzing data. This position may also participate in the development of protocols and preparation of manuscripts and grant proposals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Plan and carry out independent literature searches related to the research project, including summarizing and annotating results. (20%)
2. Recruit research participants, including locating potential participants and promoting research participant opportunities through appropriate venues. (8%)
3. Conduct semi-structured qualitative interviews with participants to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. This includes scheduling interviews, following informed consent procedures, and facilitating compensation, with the training and assistance of the research team. (20%)
4. Maintain data management protocols, including maintaining databases of recruitment efforts, participant demographic information, transcriptions, and proofreading interview transcripts. (10%)
5. Assist research team in developing and testing qualitative research instruments and study protocols, including IRB submissions. (8%)
6. Assist research team in the analysis process, including discussions of the development of qualitative codes and coding of qualitative data. (20%)
7. Assist in the preparation of research reports, presentations, and manuscripts as needed. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Participate in project meetings. (2%)
2. Perform other duties as needed, including assistance to members of staff and faculty, and support for the Department of Bioethics. (2%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with the principal investigator, including weekly and monthly research team meetings and conference calls with stakeholders at partnering sites with respect to ongoing research projects.

University: Frequent contact with faculty in other departments with respect to ongoing research projects on an as-needed basis.

External: Frequent contact with stakeholders at partnering field sites. Frequent contact with research subjects and potential participants with respect to ongoing research projects.

Students: Little or no contact with students.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in the social sciences, humanities, social work, or a related discipline required, with 1 to 3 years of research experience in the social sciences, bioethics, and/or mental health preferred OR Associate's degree in a health-related or bioethics-related program and 2 to 4 years of research experience required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Strong organizational skills, verbal and written communication skills, and demonstrated analytical abilities.
2. Preferred familiarity with qualitative research methods, such as interviewing.
3. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an efficient and timely manner.
4. Computer expertise using Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel).
5. Preferred familiarity with major bibliographic search engines (e.g., PubMed).
6. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and research participants face to face and via telephone and video conferencing software.
7. Ability to meet consistent attendance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will be based in the department of Bioethics within the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. There will be no exposure to biological/chemical hazards.
Diversity Statement
In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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Reasonable Accommodations
Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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COVID Vaccination
Case Western Reserve University has implemented a COVID Vaccination policy requiring evidence of COVID-19 vaccination for all students, faculty and staff with an on-campus presence. Religious and medical exemptions may be provided in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. For more information go to: https://case.edu/equity/covid-19-accommodations. Applicants may contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 /equity@case.edu for information regarding religious or medical exemptions as an accommodation.