Research Asst

Family Group: Allied Health JOB SUMMARY

• Provide assistance to the Programme Director and Thrust Leaders for the conduct and implementation of all aspects of clinical research and clinical trial under the Ng Teng Feng (NTF) Healthcare Innovation Programme (HIP) Strategic Research Programme (SRP).

• The NTF HIP SRP entitled “Singapore Prevention and Retardation of Kidney Disease Study (SPARKS)” aims to (1) develop a precision medicine approach to better understand the determinants of chronic kidney disease (CKD) development and progression in the local population, (2) identify, develop and integrate new markers and tools for personalised CKD diagnosis, risk stratification and target identification, such as novel biomarkers and micro-vascular imaging methods, and (3) develop and integrate CKD management strategies into population health approaches to effectively organise and deliver healthcare at the individual and system level. _____________________________________________________________________

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SPECIFIC (90%)

• Assist and support the thrust leaders of the NTF HIP SRP in their clinical research activities from study planning, setting up, screening, recruiting/enrolling patients, following up the patients until the end of the project.

These include but are not limited to the following:

• Development of study protocols and schedules, recruiting participants, collecting data, entering data or running data analysis;

• Planning, organizing and coordinating the workflow of the research study, including one's own role within it;

• Assisting to seek funding for the project from external and internal sources;

• Writing protocols and informed consents, and developing research surveys or questionnaires;

• Abstracting data from patient charts;

• Validating quality of data elements/data editing;

• Evaluating consistency of medical data;

• Problem solving as it relates to the research projects;

• Coordinating the research projects;

• Screening patients for eligibility to the study;

• Conducting screens and assays;

• Explaining the study to the patients;

• Enrolling patients and ensuring their compliance to the protocol;

• Performing study scheduling and tracking patient's participation;

• Administering patient interviews and preparing assessments;

• Recording, tabulating and entering research data;

• Preparing research manuscripts and research presentations;

• Developing and maintaining research databases; and

• Keeping records and accounting of the management of the project

• Being responsible for the general, daily running of the research project undertaken by the thrust leaders in the NTF HIP SRP.

• Maintain accurate and complete documentation / records of study and investigator files.

• Process, label, store specimens and prepare for dispatch in accordance with the requirements of the research protocol. Maintain the completeness of the specimen log. Coordinate with laboratory technician on logistics for collection, processing and archival of tissue, serum and plasma samples.

• Ensure timely submission of progress report to the relevant agencies and authorities.

• Ensure timely renewal of DSRB approvals and submissions of any UPIRTSO’s or non-compliance and deviation report.

7. Ensure proper archiving of medical records and study documents at end of the study.

8. Contribute to the production of research reports and/or publications.

• Liaise with research colleagues and support staff internally as appropriate to the research and to develop appropriate external contacts and networks relevant to the project and to future funding opportunities.

• Assist in co-ordination and organisation of meetings, seminars, lectures, talks and workshops and to attend and contribute to relevant meetings.

• Ensure that responsibilities identified within internal processes such as Health and Safety guidelines, the study protocol, ICH and Singapore Guideline for Good Clinical Practice and TTSH and Clinical Research Unit (CRU) quality procedures and work instructions etc are robustly met. This would include all procedures required in the screening and follow-up activities.

• Provide information and educate research subjects. Maintain and establish good relationships with sponsor, clinicians, other support staff and subjects. Good listening and communication skills to educate research subjects.

• Undertake any other duties relevant to the research program.

• Ideally be able to perform venepuncture, handle and process blood samples, handle lab samples (for examples, tissues, urine, and stool) and monitoring of vital signs.

• Mentor Junior Research Assistant and help to promote a working environment of collegiality and effective teamwork.

• Track laboratory and diagnostic reports. Able to recognize abnormalities and escalate to investigator.

• Maintain timely and accurate records of patients’ information, including all research and nursing procedures performed.

GENERAL (10%)

1. Any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor / Head of Department.

2. Constantly evaluate and make continuous improvement to the work processes.

3. Actively participate as a member or team lead for quality improvement projects of Hospital-wide / Departmental level.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

Relevant Diploma / Degree in Sciences or Nursing.

PREREQUISITES

1. Have an interest in research. Relevant experience preferred but not compulsory.

2. Excellent trouble shooting, organization skills, and problem solving skills are also required as well as the ability to work in a team environment. Be team-oriented.

3. Highly motivated, reliable and creative. Possess the ability to work independently and effectively with research details. Willing to learn new things.

4. Basic Computer Skills including Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel

5. Trained in venepuncture and vital signs assessment preferred.

6. Have strong organizational and effective communication skills.

7. Self-motivated and pro-active attitude.