Clinical Research Assistant I  – Ophthalmology Department

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you’ll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!

JOB SUMMARY
The Clinical Research Assistant I position will be based at the Clinical Research Unit (CRU) of the Ophthalmology Department, supporting clinical research activities. In addition to the CRA I responsibilities stated below, the responsibilities include providing patient care by performing ophthalmic examinations including but not limited to taking medical histories, medication reconciliation, obtaining visual acuity, motility, pupils, confrontation fields, refractions, tonometry, speculars, lensometry, performing visual fields, administering ophthalmic drops, BCVA, ETDRS, and other ophthalmic photography including but not limited to Heidelberg OCT,  Optovue OCT-A, Oculus Pentacam, and research related non FDA approved investigational devices. all in accordance with the research protocol.

The CRA I will coordinate research studies and trials, support study documentation, and assist with data collection and study-related logistics. The assistant will be responsible for accurate and timely data entry into electronic data capture systems (EDC), maintaining regulatory binders, ensuring equipment certification, and updating patient Electronic Health Records. Additional responsibilities include maintaining HIPAA compliance, managing medical supplies, troubleshooting ophthalmic equipment, and staying informed about advancements in ophthalmology research and diagnostics.

The CRA I will also help review physicians’ schedules, coordinate referrals, obtain relevant medical records, and support internal communication through in-basket messages and documentation. This role involves assisting in visit scheduling, maintaining patient records, onboarding new hires, and contributing to efforts aimed at improving CRU workflow and research participant experience. A background as an ophthalmic technician or ophthalmic photographer is strongly preferred.

Experience as an Ophthalmic Technician or Ophthalmic Photographer is highly preferred

BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Required

• Education
  High School Diploma or GED

Preferred

• Licenses and Certifications
  (BLS) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT may be required based on research study protocols or affiliate location requirements.
  (CPRAED) CPR AED may be required based on affiliate location requirements

JOB DUTIES

• Enters data into case report forms or other data collection system based on research study. Assists with maintenance of study level documentation.
• Assists with data queries and possible edits for accuracy.
• Compiles data for regulatory requirements and /or deadlines for local or sponsor submissions.
• Maintains existing databases and ensures data integrity.
• Understands visit schedules, criteria and protocol requirements for routine and low complexity trials (e.g., questionnaire, data registry, scripted); schedules research visits.
• Assists research staff by completing research protocol related tasks.
• Assists with preparing annual reports and/or modifications to institutional review board (IRB). This may include reportable events (UPIRSO).
• Reviews and abstracts information from medical records including eligibility criteria.
• Recruits and enrolls patients in research study that may include consenting patients after training and with supervision.
• Assists with ordering and maintaining research supplies following university/department procedures, ensuring that equipment is in good working order.
• With adequate training and supervision, assists with collecting and processing specimens following established procedures/protocols.
• Assists in preparing studies for closeout, (e.g. packing files, documenting files for storage, shipping extra supplies back to sponsor).
• With adequate training/credentialing and supervision, performs study procedures such as phlebotomy, vital signs, and EKG’s needed for research study. Based on research study, other procedures/equipment/services may be required.
• Duties performed may include one or more of the following core functions: a) Directly interacting with or caring for patients; b) Directly interacting with or caring for human-subjects research participants; c) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting patient records (including patient financial records); or d) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting human-subjects research records.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT
Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information. To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

EEO Statement
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.