Research Assistant, Population Sciences - Department of Oncology

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University in Detroit seeks a Research Assistant in Population Sciences within the Department of Oncology to support clinical research protocols, recruit participants, and maintain data integrity. The role requires a Bachelor's degree and entry-level experience in human subject research, with responsibilities spanning data collection, analysis, and regulatory documentation.

The position is based on-site in Detroit, with potential collaboration across study teams, and may involve

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; preferred.
• Experience in clinical or human subject research is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple clinical research activities.
• Ability to analyze, summarize, and interpret clinical data and communicate findings.

Responsibilities

• Support design and implementation of clinical research protocols involving human subjects.
• Recruit and screen study participants and conduct study visits with data collection.
• Maintain accurate clinical and research data and ensure quality and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare presentations and assist with manuscript drafting and regulatory documents.
• Coordinate study materials and audits, ensuring confidentiality and data security.

Skills

Independent work

Data analysis

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Electronic data capture systems

Clinical research databases

IRB knowledge

Job description

Research Assistant, Population Sciences - Department of Oncology

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant, Population Sciences - Department of Oncology at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Support the design and implementation of clinical research protocols involving human subjects. Recruit and screen study participants through approved methods, including outreach, surveys, and interviews. Conduct study visits and collect clinical and research data in compliance with Institutional Review Board (IRB), regulatory, and protocol requirements. Communicate regularly with the Principal Investigator and research team regarding study progress and participant status.

Collect, enter, and maintain accurate clinical and research data, including outcomes, surveys, and case report forms. Monitor data quality and completeness. Perform preliminary data analysis and generate graphs, charts, and tables to summarize results in accordance with study protocols. Proofread and verify research data and documentation for accuracy.

Prepare and assist with presentations of research findings for professional, scientific, and academic conferences. Organize and summarize study results for submission to peer-reviewed journals. Assist in drafting, fact‑checking, editing, and proofreading scientific manuscripts, study reports, and regulatory documents.

Maintain organized research records and study files in accordance with regulatory and institutional requirements. Coordinate study materials and supplies, and support documentation for audits, monitoring visits, and regulatory submissions. Ensure workspaces remain organized and compliant with confidentiality and data security standards.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Unique duties:

- Setting up and running video and audio recording equipment in the exam room in adherence to IRB guidelines

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, preferred. Requires advanced knowledge predominantly intellectual in character in a field of science or learning acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction.

Experience: Entry level (less than a year of job-related experience)

Experience conducting clinical or human subject research is preferred. Experience with participant recruitment, informed consent, data collection, and maintenance of regulatory documentation is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to work independently and manage multiple clinical research activities while adhering to study protocols, regulatory requirements, and timelines. Ability to analyze, summarize, and interpret clinical research data and communicate findings effectively in reports and presentations. Requires knowledge predominantly intellectual in character in a field of science or learning acquired through specialized instruction. Knowledge of scientific integrity principles, responsible conduct of research, and human subject protections (e.g., IRB requirements, confidentiality standards). Excellent time management, organizational, and documentation skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to interact professionally with research participants, clinical staff, and multidisciplinary research teams. Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with clinical research databases or electronic data capture systems is preferred. Ability to recruit and communicate effectively with diverse populations, including medically underserved communities.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public health, psychology, social sciences, nursing, biology, or related field.
• Experience with participant recruitment, informed consent, data collection, and maintenance of regulatory documentation is preferred.

School/College/Division:

H06 - School of Medicine

Primary department:

H0632 - Oncology

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Research

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary

Working conditions:

Typical work environment may include a laboratory and/or office environment. May require working non-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientific conferences.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.