Social/Clinical Research Specialist

University of North Carolina

  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • $45,000-70,000 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 day ago
This position will serve as a Clinical Research Coordinator within the Department of OBGYN. The Clinical Research Coordinator is responsible for the planning, organization, and conduct of multiple clinical research study protocols, including independently collecting and recording data, project administration, and communication with various stakeholders. The main objective of this role is to provide direct assistance as a patient navigator to patients who are at a high risk of experiencing medically-indicated or spontaneous preterm birth while supporting the study of this clinical program to improve patient care. Thus, this is a hybrid role whereby the individual working in this role will serve as (a) a vital link between patients and the clinical care team as a patient navigator / care coordinator; (b) assisting with the study of patient navigation as a tool to reduce stress and improve outcomes among patients at highest risk.The Clinical Research Coordinator's responsibilities will encompass identifying 'high-risk' patients for preterm birth, enrolling them into the 'Prematurity Care Plus' program, and supporting them throughout their pregnancy and up to three months postpartum. A significant aspect of this role involves building a supportive relationship with patients and becoming an integral part of the clinical team.Outlined below are the specific tasks assigned to the Navigator Researcher:
  • Patient Support: Serve as a consistent and accessible point of contact, ensuring that each patient receives the recommended care from their provider; they will act as an advocate for patients.
  • Appointment Facilitation: review medical care recommendations from each patient's provider and subsequently aiding patients in following up on these recommendations.
  • Medication Assistance: will provide patients with pillboxes, low dose aspirin, and other tools proven to enhance adherence.
  • Research Support: assist with and support the collection patient data for analytic purposes, with the goal of demonstrating long term sustainability of this and similar initiatives.
The Clinical Research Coordinator's role will involve utilizing specific tools to input data for tracking patients in the program. Additionally, the Clinical Research Coordinator will contribute to the creation of educational materials for patients, including minor website editing.The role will primarily involve working at two off-site clinic locations, both approximately 2 miles from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.Up to 20% of the Clinical Research Coordinator's time may be allocated to supporting the Manuck Research Team with related activities to ensure teamwork and coverage for team member absences. This might involve tasks for other research studies or assisting Spanish-speaking patients if needed, ensuring a smooth workflow within the team.
Minimum Education and Experience RequirementsBachelor's degree in a discipline related to the field assigned and one year of related training or experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and ExperienceKnowledge - Technical:
  • Experience working with obstetric nomenclature
  • Knowledge of available community resources to address patient needs
  • Comfort entering data into secure, online tracking system (RedCap)
  • Knowledge of appropriate code of ethics
  • Excellent organizational skills
Consulting/Advising:
  • Ability to follow protocols and guidelines re: interactions with patients
  • Ability to consult with Dr. Manuck and other clinicians re: treatment plans, particularly if charting or documentation is unclear
Communication and Teamwork:
  • Ability to listen, understand, and convey information in oral and written form to patients at high risk for preterm birth, their families, and others as applicable
  • Ability to provide education of patients and families regarding community resources, navigation of healthcare system
Problem Solving:
  • Ability to research and brainstorm alternate strategies to obtain provider-recommended therapy or medical equipment if the patient has financial, transportation, or other logistical barriers
Interpersonal Skills:
  • Evidence of strong interpersonal and communication (both oral and written) skills
  • Ability to multitask, including balancing seeing patients in person and communicating electronically with other patients who do not have in-person appointments scheduled in a given week
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Experience working within a multi-disciplinary team
Must be able to work in a stressful and unpredictable environment.The candidate will be required to complete essential UNC and institutional review board mandated training in human subjects research and privacy (HIPAA).The candidate will be provided with resources in general and high-risk obstetrics and gynecology and perinatal psychiatry as references and also for the purposes of patient education.Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.Basic Microsoft Office competency (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) is required.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
  • Experience in a healthcare related field is strongly preferred.
  • Prior experience with EPIC is strongly preferred.
  • Bilingual (Spanish) candidates are highly preferred, as many patients are Spanish speaking.
Required Licenses/Certifications
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority ResponsibilitiesNot Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements
Special Instructions
Quick LinkContact InformationOffice of Human Resources Contact InformationIf you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.eduPlease note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer StatementThe University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

University of North Carolina