Part Time - Healthcare - Research Assistant

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The College of Nursing at Penn State University is seeking three dedicated and detail-oriented part-time Research Assistants to support a cutting-edge project funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). This project, "Center for Immersive Learning and Digital Innovation: A Patient Safety Learning Lab," aims to advance patient safety through design, systems engineering, and health services research. The research focuses on developing and evaluating innovative solutions such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and robotic systems to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and improve patient outcomes.

Each Research Assistant will be responsible for managing and executing tasks specific to their assigned study arm: Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, or Robotics. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Data Management and Analysis:
  • Assist with data collection, entry, and management to ensure accuracy and compliance with study protocols.
  • Conduct preliminary data analysis under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigators.
  • Maintain detailed and organized records of all data and activities.
• Participant Engagement:
  • Support participant recruitment, consent, and engagement activities.
  • Coordinate participant schedules and ensure timely follow-up for study activities.
  • Assist in maintaining participant confidentiality and adherence to ethical guidelines.
• Project Coordination:
  • Contribute to progress reports and project documentation.
  • Coordinate with the Research Coordinator and other team members to maintain effective communication and workflow.
  • Participate in regular team meetings to discuss project progress and address any challenges.
• Specific Responsibilities by Study Arm:
  • Virtual Reality Research Assistant:
    • Manage VR equipment and data.
    • Ensure proper setup and maintenance of VR systems for study participants.
  • Mixed Reality Research Assistant:
    • Focus on MR activities and data.
    • Support the development and implementation of MR-based study protocols.
  • Robotics Research Assistant:
    • Oversee robotic systems and data collection.
    • Assist with the setup, operation, and troubleshooting of robotic equipment.
• Compliance and Regulatory Support:
  • Ensure compliance with institutional and federal regulations.
  • Assist with maintaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols and study documentation.

The ideal candidates will possess:

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience in research settings, particularly with clinical research and human subjects' protocols, is preferred.
• Proficiency in using computer databases and familiarity with research software tools.
• A Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field, plus relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Review of applications will continue until suitable candidates are identified. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, and resume or curriculum vitae (CV). In addition, candidates should be prepared to provide the names, titles, and contact information (telephone, email, and mailing address) of three (3) professional references, if requested.

These are part-time limited-term appointments funded for two years from the date of hire, with an excellent possibility of re-funding based on project progress and funding availability. Early start date is September 30th, 2024. Each Research Assistant will work 4 hours per week at an hourly rate of $20, totaling $4,160 annually per assistant, plus fringe benefits. For Years 3 and 4, the total compensation for three assistants will be $25,728.

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