Research Assistant - Nutrition (Bilingual Preferred - Spanish/English)

Arkansas Children's Hospital; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Arkansas Children’s Hospital is seeking a Research Assistant to support nutrition-focused clinical research under supervision. The role includes conducting participant visits, collecting data, processing biospecimens, and maintaining participant records, with potential weekend flexibility to support study needs.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED (Bachelor’s preferred) and may involve lactation-related study activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent
• Bachelor's degree in a related field of study preferred
• 2 years of experience in lieu of a diploma/GED may be considered

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day management of assigned projects and act as liaison between study participants and investigators.
• Recruit and screen participants, coordinate visits, and collect data according to protocol.
• Enter and manage study data, maintain accurate records, and prepare reports for sponsors and audits.
• Schedule participant visits, ensure protocol adherence, and document consent processes and questionnaires.
• Operate and maintain basic clinical research lab procedures and equipment as needed.
• Support regulatory compliance and assist in submissions and adverse event reporting.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S IS A TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE. FLU VACCINES ARE REQUIRED. ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, PROTECTED VETERAN STATUS OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC PROTECTED BY FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL LAWS.

This position has been designated as safety sensitive and cannot be filled by a candidate who is a current user of medical marijuana.

Work Shift:

Please see job description for details.

Time Type:

Full time

Department:

CC038351 ACRI ACNC General Salary

Summary:

The Research Assistant will support nutrition-focused clinical research studies under the supervision of the Clinical Research Supervisor and Principal Investigator. Responsibilities include conducting participant visits and data collection, processing biospecimens, maintaining accurate participant records through audits, and entering dietary intake (food record) data. This position will also support breastfeeding participants and study activities related to lactation and infant feeding. The Research Assistant will collaborate closely with the research team to ensure high-quality data collection and compliance with regulatory requirements. The role may require a flexible schedule, including some weekends, to accommodate participant and study needs.

Salary:

Most new hires start between $21.70-$27.10 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

Additional Information:

Required Education:

High school diploma or GED or equivalent

Recommended Education:

Bachelor's degree in a related field of study.

Required Work Experience:

High School Diploma/GED, or 2 years of experience in lieu of a diploma/GED.

Description

1. Responsible for overseeing all aspects of the day-to-day management of assigned projects. Serves as the primary administrative liaison between study participant and Principal Investigator or other research staff. Coordinates project activities, scheduling, and outreach. Attends or facilitates meetings and other communications with investigators, research sponsors, other research staff and investigator staff members for the purposes of coordination of services to support assigned research projects.
2. Performs implementation/active and close-out phases of the study and recruitment of study participants by implementing effective screening strategies. Schedules and performs initial contact with prospective research subjects and follow-up visits; understands and explains research protocol, consent forms and when applicable uses detailed questionnaires and/or assessments to collect data for research studies; monitors the information for eligibility for the specific protocol as well as accuracy and completeness prior to examination by the investigators and/or sponsoring agency.
3. Collects, codes and enters study information into a database; assists in data compilation. Documents and maintains accurate records and study information. Prepares reports and summaries as needed. Manages financial records for dissemination and reconciliation of participant incentives (i.e., Visa gift cards and/or other non-monetary gifts).
4. Interviews project participants individually or in groups. Interviews may be conducted in person, by telephone, via televideo, or by mail. Ensures that completed questionnaires are complete, legible and accurate in accordance with research protocols. Make follow-up contact with participants to obtain missing or questionable data.
5. Spearheads lab recruitment efforts as needed and coordinates the scheduling of required laboratory tests and/or exams when applicable. Process samples for shipping, and perform any other procedures specific to study protocols (willing to learn phlebotomy for the collection of blood samples as well as other biological or environmental samples, as well as collection of vital signs if needed); Operates and maintains clinical research laboratory equipment to ensure safety and provide accurate results.
6. Develops, monitors, and adheres to timelines for project goals. Ensures that deadlines and deliverables to relevant funding agencies are met. Assist Clinical Research Supervisor and PI in complying with all state and federal regulatory and institutional requirements.
7. Maintains complete and accurate records and files pertaining to one or more research studies including regulatory and financials (study supplies, equipment, research participant incentives, travel, etc.). Maintain detailed records of research subject visits and procedures.
8. Makes descriptive reports of research study progress and outcomes. Makes recommendations to investigators to improve research processes and outcomes. Assists in preparation and submission of adverse events, protocol deviations or variations and data reports as needed. Responds to internal and external regulatory and financial audits.
9. Demonstrates effective communication skills; communicates accurate and complete information, maintains strict confidentiality. Demonstrates exceptional customer service and positive working relationships with participants, co-workers, clinical and management team, ancillary departments, community partners and stakeholders.