• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: SSA
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $61,692.40 to $61,692.40

Position Summary

The Research Assistant provides entry‑level clinical research, laboratory, and administrative support for research studies conducted within the Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition. The position supports the execution of approved research protocols and assists Principal Investigators and senior research staff with data collection, participant coordination, and regulatory documentation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the coordination of research visits and study activities to support timely and accurate data and specimen collection.
• Review research protocols and study documentation to develop an understanding of study requirements.
• Maintain required work logs and participate in regular meetings and training activities.
• Support research participant recruitment and enrollment activities as directed.
• Schedule study visits, assessments, and appointments according to approved protocols.
• Prepare visit packets and study kits; scan, redact, and upload documents into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Assist with obtaining required documentation and signatures under supervision.
• Deliver research specimens to laboratories for processing in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist with packaging and shipping correlative specimens to external sponsors in accordance with laboratory manuals.
• Support investigational product requests, delivery, and returns to the Research Pharmacy as directed.
• Assist in assembling, organizing, and entering clinical research data under supervision.
• Help maintain sponsor, departmental, and institutional databases and tracking logs.
• Communicate with clinical teams, laboratories, and internal departments to support data accuracy and compliance.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, physics or related science and at least 1.5 yrs of related experience or equivalent in training and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to follow established procedures and work effectively under supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Prior exposure to a clinical research, healthcare, or laboratory environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel); ability to work on both Mac and PC platforms.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Other Requirements

• The candidate selected for this position is required to undergo a drug screening test prior to a final offer of employment being made.
• Participation in the medical surveillance program:
  • Contact with patients and/or human research subjects
  • Potential bloodborne pathogen exposure
• Successful completion of applicable compliance and systems training requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.