At the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the causes of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia, Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a campus of Louisiana State University and conducts basic, clinical and population research. The Center includes Basic Science, Clinical Research, and Population and Public Health, enabling both focused research and translational science. Research at Pennington Biomedical is supported broadly by multiple NIH Research Centers, and includes approximately 65 faculty and 20 postdoctoral fellows who comprise a network of 44 laboratories and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a world-renowned academic research institute of Louisiana State University, is seeking a Clinical Research Associate 2 in the Pediatric Obesity and Health Behavior Laboratory.
The Clinical Research Associate will conduct clinical trial study visits autonomously and in the field (at clinical practices throughout the state), including preparation, data collection, and entry. Responsibilities include obtaining informed consent, measuring anthropometrics, assessing diet and activity, administering questionnaires, and following risk management procedures. This position will be responsible for coordinating data collection and intervention delivery at clinical sites and ensuring high data quality and consistency. Effective communication with participants and external clinical providers/managers is essential for scheduling, reminders, screenings, interventions, and follow-ups. Proficiency in REDCap database entry and conducting off-campus procedures as per study protocols is preferred. Ideal candidates will have a strong educational background, relevant experience, attention to detail, interpersonal skills with a variety of ages, and excellent organizational and communication skills.
Job Responsibilities
Conduct Clinical Trial Study Visits: Prepare for and conduct clinical trial study visits, including data collection and entry. Ensure all necessary materials and equipment are ready, accurately collect data during visits, and promptly enter data into the appropriate systems. Follow the protocol closely to minimize deviations and identify when to triage cases to the project manager or supervisor.
Perform Clinical Research Data Collection Activities: Carry out various clinical research data collection tasks, such as obtaining informed consent from participants and their legal guardian, measuring anthropometrics and body composition, assessing diet and physical activity, and administering questionnaires. Ensure all data are collected accurately and in accordance with study protocols.
Coordinate and Implement Data Collection and Intervention Delivery: Assist in the coordination, implementation, and execution of data collection and intervention delivery at clinical sites. Ensure consistency with established strategies, commitments, and goals to maintain high data quality. Monitor and adjust processes as needed to ensure smooth operation, within the confines of the protocol and manual of procedures.
Communicate Effectively with Participants: Maintain clear and effective communication with study participants. This includes scheduling visits, making reminder calls, sending emails, conducting screenings, delivering interventions, and performing follow-ups. Ensure participants are well-informed and supported throughout the study.
Enter Clinical Trial Data in REDCap Database: Accurately enter clinical trial data into the REDCap database. Ensure data are entered promptly and correctly, following all relevant guidelines and protocols.
Perform Off-Campus Procedures and Visits: Conduct off-campus procedures and visits as outlined by the study protocol and visit checklists. Ensure all activities are performed in accordance with study requirements and maintain high standards of data collection and participant care.
Contribute to the development, organization, and updating of study reports, intervention and participant materials, and study procedures.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in life sciences, nursing, public health, or a related field.
3+ years of experience in a healthcare setting, particularly in pediatric care and clinical research, and/or performing assessments in human subjects.
Strong understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, human subjects protection, and other regulatory requirements.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with study participants, scheduling visits, and conducting follow-ups. Ability to explain complex information clearly and empathetically.
Exceptional organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple tasks, coordinate study activities, and ensure data quality. Attention to detail is critical for accurate data collection and entry.
Ability to work well in a team and build rapport with participants.
Willingness to travel for off-campus visits and adapt to varying study protocols.
Strong problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot issues that arise during study visits and data collection.
Proficiency in using clinical research databases such as REDCap for data entry and management preferred.
*Flexible schedule required. This position will require some work after regular hours. Intermittent travel is sometimes required when conducting studies inside and outside of Baton Rouge.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center seeks to recruit a highly productive workforce with a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.
*Flexible schedule required. This position will require some work after regular hours. Intermittent travel is sometimes required when conducting studies inside and outside of Baton Rouge.
Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more information, visit PBRC.
Questions regarding career opportunities at Pennington Biomedical should be sent to hrm@pbrc.edu.
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - Pennington Biomedical Research Center offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
Questions or concerns can be directed to PBRC Human Resources at 225-763-2776 or hrm@pbrc.edu.