Job Details

Clincial Research Assistant

Position Number: 6902833
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Clincial Research Assistant

Job Summary

The Clinical Research Assistant - Transplant Surgery is a research-focused position that supports translational and clinical research activities within the Division of Transplant Surgery. This role plays a central part in the collection and processing of surgical specimens, development and maintenance of a transplant biorepository, and accurate abstraction and management of research data.
Working under the direction of PhD research faculty and Senior Research Specialists, the Research Assistant executes IRB-approved research protocols and supports high-quality, compliant research operations. Responsibilities include time-sensitive intraoperative specimen handling, medical record review within Epic, REDCap database implementation, and independent obtaining of informed consent for research participation once trained.
This position operates in a hybrid, mobile work environment and requires flexibility to support transplant-related research activities aligned with operating room schedules. While the role is primarily research-focused, it is expected to support an expanding portfolio of clinical research studies as the program grows.
Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

Patient-Sensitive Research Environment This position is designated as patient-sensitive and involves work in patient care areas, including operating rooms and other clinical settings. Employees must comply with all institutional, state, and federal requirements applicable to patient-sensitive roles, including immunization, infection prevention, and safety standards. Adheres to hospital and departmental policies related to patient safety, privacy, and infection control.

Specimen Collection & Biorepository Support Collects research specimens following surgical procurement in patient care areas in accordance with IRB-approved protocols. Performs time-sensitive specimen processing, including snap freezing or immediate processing, based on study requirements and laboratory availability. Maintains specimen integrity through accurate labeling, documentation, storage, and chain-of-custody procedures. Supports the development, organization, and maintenance of a transplant-focused biorepository to support current and future research initiatives. Coordinates specimen handling activities with surgical teams, laboratory personnel, and research staff to ensure protocol adherence.

Research Data Collection & Management Reviews operative and clinic documentation within Epic to abstract research-relevant clinical data. Accurately enters and maintains research data within REDCap databases. Works with investigators to translate study criteria into structured REDCap data elements, in coordination with departmental REDCap specialists. Ensures data accuracy, completeness, and consistency across research studies. Identifies ambiguous, incomplete, or conflicting source documentation and escalates issues to appropriate research leadership.

Human Subjects Research & Regulatory Support Independently obtains informed consent from research participants once trained, using IRB-approved consent forms and procedures. Conducts research interactions with patients and participants in clinical settings in a professional, respectful, and compliant manner. Manages consent documentation, ensuring correct version control and regulatory compliance. Assists with preparation of materials for IRB submissions, amendments, and continuing reviews under the direction of senior research staff. Maintains strict adherence to HIPAA, institutional policies, and all applicable research regulations.

Collaboration & Research Operations Works under the day-to-day direction of PhD research faculty and Senior Research Specialists. Communicates proactively regarding task progress, scheduling constraints, and research-related issues. Supports coordination between surgical teams, research personnel, and laboratory staff to ensure timely execution of research activities. Contributes to a collaborative, detail-oriented research environment focused on data quality, compliance, and operational excellence.

Work Environment & Schedule Operates in a hybrid, mobile work environment with required on-site presence in patient care areas for specimen collection and laboratory activities. Utilizes shared collaboration spaces and laptop-based workflows for data abstraction and documentation. Requires schedule flexibility to support transplant-related research activities aligned with operating room schedules.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Research Assistant, II : Requires at least 1 year of related experience.

Research Assistant, III: Requires 3+ years of related experience.

Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah RQI system (to be obtained within 30 days of hire). Completion of a medical assisting program. One year of experience in research and analytic techniques with demonstrated statistical and quantitative analysis experience.

Preferences

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN44173B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Weekdays / Hybrid work environment
Department: 01102 - Transplant Surgery
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 12.62 - 27.07
Close Date: 5/4/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/196025