Research Assistant

The Research Assistant provides administrative and operational support to Dr. Singh and the research team in the coordination and implementation of research studies. This position ensures efficient daily operations by managing administrative logistics, assisting with study-related tasks, and maintaining effective communication among team members, participants, and institutional partners. The Research Assistant contributes to advancing Meharry’s mission through high-quality research support and organized project management.

Essential Functions (Principal Duties and Job Responsibilities):

 

 

Research Coordination: 

· Assist with the preparation, organization, and documentation of study materials under investigator guidance.

· Support sample shipping processes for all studies, ensuring compliance with institutional and federal guidelines.

· Track participant follow-up correspondence and maintain accurate, confidential participant records.

· Manage participants in the waiting area, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment.

· Enter and verify data into approved databases; assist with data quality checks.

· Manage appointment scheduling for The Great Study.

· Manage participant communication such as reminder emails, text messages or phone calls.

· Maintaining participant appointment records in appropriate databases, preparing summary reports for supervisors or study coordinators.

· Assist with recruitment materials.

· Maintain confidentiality of participant and clinical trial information.

 

Communication and Collaboration: 

· Serve as a point of contact between study staff, participants, and collaborating departments.

· Coordinate scheduling and logistics for research team meetings and site visits.

· Maintain effective communication with external collaborators, vendors, and institutional offices.

 

Compliance and Recordkeeping: 

· Ensure proper documentation of study activities and adherence to IRB and regulatory requirements.

· Maintain confidentiality of participant information and research data.

 

Administrative Support: 

· Manage the Executive Director, Center of Excellence for Clinical and Translational Research professional       calendar, including scheduling meetings, appointments, and conference calls.

· Maintain and update the team calendar, ensuring awareness of key deadlines, study milestones, and meetings.

· Track and order office and laboratory supplies as needed to maintain adequate inventory.

· Coordinate bulk printing and copying jobs for research and administrative materials.

· Prepare meeting materials, take minutes, and distribute summaries and follow-up items.

· Acts as liaison with other departments, faculty, staff, students and external organizations.

 

Additional Duties:

· Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and continuing education activities.

· Assist with special projects or other administrative/research tasks as assigned by Executive Director, Center of Excellence for Clinical and Translational Research or project leadership.

· Performs special projects as assigned.

                                                                                                               

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

·Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Professional demeanor and ability to interact effectively with participants, faculty, and staff.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and electronic document management systems.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow institutional policies and research compliance requirements.

 

•            Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Preferred:
•          ·Familiarity with clinical or academic research environments.
• · Experience with data entry or database systems such as REDCap or Qualtrics.
•           · Knowledge of basic research methods, medical terminology, or sample handling procedures.
•           · Experience with scheduling software or administrative coordination in higher education or healthcare  
•              settings.

Education and Experience Required:

 

·Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, Psychology, Public Health, Biology, or a related field; or equivalent    

  combination of education and experience.

·One to two years of administrative or research support experience in an academic, healthcare, or laboratory setting.