Project Assistant

The Department of Neurology-Movement Disorder Division is seeking a highly organized and motivated Project Assistant to support the administration and daily operations of clinical trials. This position works closely with the lead Study Coordinator on the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) project.

The successful candidate will provide comprehensive support for participant enrollment, ensuring compliance with research-related guidelines and institutional requirements. Responsibilities include participant interviews, scheduling, discussing the trial related activities with potential candidates, performing the assessments, and cognitive testing during the clinic visits.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Basic understanding of research methodologies and statistical analysis.
• Familiarity with basic statistical methods and tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to adapt to new challenges and learn quickly.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with data management and analysis tools.
• Extensive experience with Zoom or other video platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with data collection and analysis in an academic or professional setting.
• Experience with direct patient interaction
• Prior experience in human research subject and good clinical practices.
• Experience in clinical research trials, industry and non-industry related studies.
• Bilingual
• Interest in neurodegenerative disease clinical research and biomarker studies.
• Bachelor's degree in health relevant field (biology, psychology, public health, etc

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but are not limited to) THE FOLLOWING:

• Assists the lead coordinator with participant screening and enrollment, ensuring adherence to protocols and timelines.
• Schedules subject appointments, tests, and procedures coordinating with external providers as needed.
• Assists in the centrifuging, processing and shipping of blood, urine and CSF samples.
• Conduct experiments according to established protocols, ensuring accuracy and consistency in data collection.
• Updates participant charts and ensure that study visits are completed as required by the sponsor.
• Communicate with the study team personnel to ensure study procedures are followed and research is performed as described in the protocol.
• Participates in the preparation of research reports and presentations, summarizing findings for study-related meetings.
• Attends and host regular in-person and Zoom team meetings to discuss research progress and contribute to strategic planning.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and supplies, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and best practices.
• Assists with data collection for the research study following established data collection and management procedures.
• Collects, records, enters and prepares data for analysis.
• Collects patient information from study participants through interviews, administration of tests or surveys or questionnaires, medical records review, or other collection procedures.
• Establishes and organizes study files, including but not limited to regulatory binders, study-specific source documentation, and other materials.
• Schedules and conducts study-related cognitive testing and assessments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The hourly rate range for this position is $25.83- $27.88. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

The most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume. Resumes will be accepted until the needs of the department are met.

Minimum Education: High school or equivalent Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Knowledge of data collection procedures and some experience with proposal preparation and production of technical documents