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UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

Specification for Class

RESEARCH STUDY ASSISTANT

UW CODE AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP

7867 (SEIU Local 925 Clerical Nonsupervisory)

CLASS SERIES CONCEPT

Coordinate and perform work in support of clinical, biomedical, and/or behavioral sciences research studies involving human subjects.

This series differs from the Research Technologist Series in that incumbents in the Research Technologist Series perform work in support of research in physical, chemical, biological, biochemical, and/or biomedical sciences while incumbents in the Research Study Series perform work primarily involving human subjects.

BASIC FUNCTION

Perform varied support functions in support of research studies involving human subjects.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Under general supervision, perform varied support functions requiring knowledge and skills specific to the research study. Inform clients, participants and/or members of the public about the study. Explain study parameters and obtain informed consent. Screen subjects and conduct interviews according to established protocol. Gather and compile data; assist in developing and setting up database files and performing statistical calculations.

TYPICAL WORK

Serve as primary contact with study participants; explain purpose of research study and protocols;

Screen prospective participants to determine eligibility according to research protocol entrance criteria; conduct interviews according to established protocol;

Extract technical, medical and/or behavioral information from institution or clinical records of research subjects;

Maintain confidentiality of subject records;

Perform technical tasks such as venous blood drawing; administering electrocardiograms and measuring vital signs; perform laboratory specimen processing; operate equipment such as temperature monitors, galvanometers, analytic balances, and ECG monitors;

Assist in recording behavior of subjects using sound and video-tape equipment;

Gather, record, organize, transcribe and verify the accuracy of research study data; prepare data for computer input; analyze computer printouts; set up research database files;

Assist in performing mathematical and statistical calculations and/or analysis;

Assist in modifying data collection forms; survey and summarize relevant literature;

Assist in dispensing and retrieving medication under the direction of a health care practitioner; maintain drug accountability records;

Answer participants' questions regarding study protocol and/or characteristics of medication; notify appropriate research personnel regarding problems or complications reported by subjects;

Review and explain consent forms, questionnaires, and surveys with prospective subjects;

Inventory and order supplies;

Assist in the orientation of new participants;

Perform related duties as required;

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - UW Contract Classified
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS - Classified Non-Union

Two years of college-level course work in a relevant academic area AND one year of appropriate experience

OR

equivalent education/experience.

New Class: 2-7-92
New to CSA: 5-1-00

CSR Class Conversion (mc): 06-01-05