Senior Clinical Research Assistant

Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandindeedpublished 10/26/2026
Senior

Department Overview:

This position supports studies associated with the Oregon Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (OADRC), an NIH/NIA-funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) and part of the Layton Aging & Alzheimer's Disease Center. Investigators in the Layton Center contribute to national and international efforts to understand aging and the development of and promising treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

Function/Duties of Position:

Functions & Requirements

The African American Dementia and Aging Project (AADAPt) is one of the main research studies in the OADRC, and this position will serve as the coordinator for AADAPt. They will collaborate closely with the center's Clinical Core leaders and staff, assisting with other studies and center initiatives as needed. This position requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to complete complex and detail-oriented duties while working closely with research participants, clinicians, investigators, and other study staff. This work requires the use of independent judgment, problem solving skills, and project and time management.

Responsibilities:

Screen, consent, schedule, and retain participants in research studies.

Coordinate and conduct in-person study visits including scheduling participants and staff (physicians, assessors and others), clinic space, imaging and/or other appointments.

Accompany participants to study visits, ensuring their comfort and understanding of the study activities.

Maintain documentation including study visit data entry, organization and maintenance of study documents and materials, regulatory compliance.

Facilitate the collection of annual blood samples. Perform phlebotomy (training provided), process and ship blood samples as needed.

Run meetings to update clinical team on progress, data, and other issues. Arrange other meetings as needed.

Work with the Outreach Recruitment and Engagement (ORE) Core of the OADRC to network with Oregon and SW Washington community groups, churches, professional organizations, and local leaders to promote recruitment and engagement of underrepresented groups in research, especially Black/African Americans and rural individuals.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in relevant field AND 1 year of relevant experience OR, Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience OR, 4 years of relevant experience OR, Equivalent combination of training and experience

Experience working with diverse communities

Working knowledge of scientific methods and human subjects research

Intermediate or advanced knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook, and other MS Office programs

Demonstrated high level of organization and attention to detail

Self-starter with ability to prioritize work demands and manage time

Ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks

Ability to work independently and collaborate with other teams

Ability to speak and communicate clearly and demonstrate a high level of professionalism

Ability to interact patiently and respectfully with elderly volunteers

Able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications: Human subjects research experience

Experience working with older adults

Experience working with cognitively or neurologically impaired individuals

Experience with REDCap and/or other databases

Phlebotomy training and experience

Additional Details:

Working Conditions:

Typical schedule: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. M-F

Work location: At OHSU offices and clinics including HRC, MNP and/or CHH, satellite clinics and participant homes

Work schedule may vary depending on job/study/center requirements

Personal transportation for off-campus activities is required

Occasional evenings or weekends, local, national or international travel may be needed

Travel between meeting locations including using the Portland Aerial Tram

May have regular exposure to noise and interruptions

Occasional remote work may be available based on study needs

Physical Demands and Equipment Usage:

Ability to travel to and work from campus

Ability to travel between office and study visit locations

Ability to walk participants to various on-campus locations for study visits

Ability to sit at a computer for sustained periods of time

Ability to use videoconferencing equipment (headphones/camera)

Why apply to OHSU?: We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu