CLINICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Dec 10, 2024 - The Clinical Research Assistant possesses advanced written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, demonstrating the ability to interact with multiple constituencies effectively. This role requires strong organizational and prioritization abilities, with a keen attention to detail and proficiency in medical terminology and Microsoft Office Suite. The assistant also brings research and cardiology experience, contributing as a strong motivator and communicator within a compact clinical team working under aggressive timelines.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Clinical Research Assistant Resume
  • Clinical Trial Management
  • Data Analysis
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Electronic Data Capture Systems
  • Good Clinical Practice Knowledge
  • Laboratory Techniques
  • Medical Terminology
  • Protocol Development
  • Statistical Software Proficiency
  • Document Management
  • Attention To Detail
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Time Management
  • Problem-Solving
  • Adaptability
  • Critical Thinking
  • Organizational Skills
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Ethical Judgment

Summary of Clinical Research Assistant Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Clinical Research with 3 years of Experience

  • Sufficient computer knowledge to interface with a variety of database and statistical software, such as Excel, REDCap, SPSS, Access, and E-Prime
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, as the incumbent will be interacting regularly with young adult research participants
  • Self-starter, possessing a strong work ethic and the ability to operate independently, as well as in a team environment
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in organizing tasks and setting priorities, multi-tasking, and working efficiently with minimum oversight
  • Ability to interact constructively with faculty and staff
  • Ability to be adaptable, creative, and a quick learner
  • Experience in psychological or neuroimaging research
  • Experience working with young adults and prior human research experience 
  • Experience with REDCap and Excel
  • Good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationships skills.

2. BS in Biology with 5 years of Experience

  • Working knowledge of computerized data (word processing, spreadsheets, and databases).
  • Experience with computer systems including web-based applications and some Microsoft Office applications which may include Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Access.
  • Previous clinical research project experience.
  • Ability to make decisions that are based on specific instructions, standard practices, and established procedures which generally require little or no supervision.
  • Ability to address problems that are routine, somewhat repetitive and generally solved by following clear directions and procedures and by identifying opportunities for process improvements.
  • Ability to follow general instructions and procedures as provided. 
  • Able to work is monitored by supervisor/manager.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written English with internal and external customers.
  • Ability to comprehend and converse in English to communicate effectively with medical center staff, patients, families and external customers.
  • Ability to demonstrate full working knowledge of standard concepts, practices, procedures and policies with the ability to use them in varied situations.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in small teams to improve the operations of immediate work groups by offering ideas, identifying issues, and respecting team members.

3. BS in Biomedical Sciences with 7 years of Experience

  • Research, laboratory, or healthcare-related academic or work experience
  • Good organizational skills, ability to manage multiple tasks, and meticulous attention to detail.
  • Good written and spoken English.
  • Ability to provide a high level of customer service to patients, visitors, staff, and external customers in a professional, service-oriented, respectful manner using skills in active listening and problem-solving. 
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology including symptomology, diagnoses, medications, anatomy and standard medical equipment and procedures
  • Ability to work scheduled hours as defined in the job offer. Must be able to work flexible hours
  • Must have excellent interpersonal skills with staff and all healthcare professionals
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, consistent professional conduct, and meticulous attention to detail.
  • Must become familiar with the Clinical Research department’s SOPs and study protocols, and is responsible for following these.
  • Experience in healthcare, and EHR
  • Previous experience with clinical trials

4. BS in Health Sciences with 4 years of Experience

  • Requires a working knowledge of computer applications.
  • A working knowledge of research methodology, medical terminology
  • Excellent Time Management/Organized and excellent Customer Service
  • Accuracy Attention to Detail and Ability to work independently
  • Accomplished in word processing and worksheet utilization
  • Excellent interpersonal skills for working with study participants.
  • Good oral and written communication skills.
  • Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical or research problems and issues, and to interpret the acceptability of data results.
  • Knowledge of clinical research protocols.
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks.
  • Ability to demonstrate professionalism and respect for subjects' rights and individual needs.
  • Knowledge of data management programs.

5. BS in Nursing with 2 years of Experience

  • Have a scientific background (equivalent knowledge and experience).
  • Experience in clinical research or a combination of education and experience is preferred.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and be detailed-oriented
  • Familiarity with multiple computer programs
  • A high degree of computer literacy.
  • Clinical Laboratory Certification (e.g. ASCP) 
  • Experience in the clinical laboratory, clinical study coordination, or clinical monitoring
  • Experience in the commercial, scientific, laboratory, or administration environment
  • Extremely detail-oriented and organized and medical terminology course.
  • Community engagement and community-based research experience

6. BS in Chemistry with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience in research/clinical investigations/studies (participant recruitment, data collection, data entry, informed consent, scheduling, etc.)
  • Prior experience within the DoD/VA systems of care
  • Ability to follow detailed instructions.
  • Excellent communication and analytical skills
  • Must adhere to legal, professional and ethical codes concerning confidentiality and privacy.
  • Must be able to sit and stand for long periods.
  • Strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent demonstrated interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Strong technological proficiency in multiple platforms including Microsoft, Google, and web-based computer applications.
  • Prior clinical operations experience with medical terminology exposure such as a medical scribe, medical assistant, or volunteer.
  • Prior volunteer or employed role within a research setting.

7. BS in Public Health with 1 year of Experience

  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Client-focused approach to work.
  • A flexible attitude concerning work assignments and new learning.
  • Ability to manage multiple and varied tasks with enthusiasm and prioritize workload with attention to detail.
  • Willingness to work in a matrix environment and value teamwork's importance.
  • Practical and nimble and can work effectively under pressure.
  • Use of initiative, ability to meet deadlines and work prioritization.
  • Prior experience navigating patient scheduling platforms and/or an electronic medical record system.
  • Recognized degree (preferably in a life science), or equivalent qualification and/or experience working in clinical research, or a fast-paced environment.
  • Effective time-management skills
  • Strong auditing and documenting skills

8. BS in Pharmacology with 3 years of Experience

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple responsibilities and completion of projects in either a work or school setting
  • Basic computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to learn various programs and/or systems such as the Oracle database
  • Strong communication skills and capable of clearly explaining information to a wide variety of individuals
  • Capable of functioning with multiple types of individuals in potentially difficult or uncomfortable settings
  • Strong planning and organization capabilities to manage multiple tasks and multiple study groups at one time
  • Ability and willingness to learn to administer investigational drugs or test investigational devices, including dosing orally, intravenously, topically, or other approved dosing methods
  • Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to interact with others in a collaborative and productive manner
  • Experience working in research in the medical field 
  • Must be comfortable spending time in the operating room
  • Knowledge of HIPAA compliance and experience using Excel

9. BS in Psychology with 2 years of Experience

  • Extremely mature and dependable, with excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to operate independently with little supervision
  • Detail-oriented with excellent organizational, communication
  • Have problem-solving and time-management skills
  • Comfortable with pediatric patients and their families in a clinic setting or via phone, and having the solid ability to convey protocol eligibility information in a clear and concise manner
  • REDCap and IRB experience (submitting amendments and continuing reviews)
  • Ability to work with children and have EKG experience
  • Experience with computer data entry and statistical analyses
  • Good verbal and written communication and proficiency with Microsoft 
  • Excellent organizational skills. Knowledge of FDA Regulations, and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) guidelines.

10. BS in Biochemistry with 4 years of Experience

  • Must be either Research Certified (SoCRA or ACRP) with two years of clinical research experience OR Certified EMT, Certified Phlebotomist
  • Have a Certified Medical Assistant with three years of relevant direct patient care experience including vitals, patient interviews, etc.
  • Research certification (SoCRA or ACRP)
  • Knowledge of FDA guidelines and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) guidelines.
  • Strong in MS Word and effective communication skills. 
  • Excellent oral/written communication and organizational skills. 
  • Excellent reading comprehension.
  • Foster/promote a positive image and professional appearance
  • Understand Kimball's Dimensional Modeling Techniques and terminology
  • Ability to model relational database designs with Entity Relationship Diagrams
  • Can create clear data element definitions and data dictionaries

11. BS in Microbiology with 3 years of Experience

  • DEC in sciences or a related field
  • Bilingual, French and English spoken and written
  • Effective communication, good organization/time management skills and ability to work in a team environment
  • Must be self-directed and possess a strong initiative to work independently
  • Autonomous, flexible sense of ethics and good judgment
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, and ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent organization, ability to multitask and prioritize time-sensitive issues 
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel)
  • Previous knowledge of running randomized trials
  • Knowledge of international, federal, and provincial laws and regulations governing clinical research (ICH- GCP)

12. BS in Biotechnology with 4 years of Experience

  • Demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated ability to interact with multiple constituencies and exercise people skills
  • Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to pay close attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Suite and database applications.
  • Advanced written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Strong prioritization, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong motivator/communicator in a compact clinical team working with aggressive timelines.
  • Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office software.
  • Proficiency in medical terminology
  • Have Research and Cardiology experience

13. BS in Medical Laboratory Science with 1 year of Experience

  • Experience using Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems
  • Experiential knowledge of medical terminology, research design, and clinical trial regulatory compliance
  • Highly proficient in computer skills, specifically in Word and Excel.
  • Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and presentation skills 
  • Computer knowledge of Microsoft Office programs. 
  • Computer literate in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Data Entry.
  • Ability to organize multiple projects with accuracy.
  • Strong phone communication skills.
  • High level of customer service skills with a genuine caring approach to helping people.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology.

14. BS in Health Administration with 3 years of Experience

  • Strong interpersonal skills for effective interactions with patients and staff.
  • Ability to perform blood specimen collections on pediatric, adult and geriatric patients.
  • Excellent customer service skills with the ability to communicate information effectively to internal and external customers.
  • Ability to maintain a positive attitude with changing conditions.
  • Ability to work under general supervision.
  • Able to work in a fast-paced department and handle multiple tasks, work with interruptions, and deal effectively with confidential information.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills.
  • Professional background in an academic environment
  • Experience in organizing or supporting research activities
  • Sensitivity to intercultural relations
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