Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Urology Research Assistant
💰 $42,000 - $70,000
HealthcareClinical ResearchUrology
🎯 Role Definition
The Urology Research Assistant supports clinical and translational research activities within a urology department or research program. This role works closely with physicians, principal investigators, and research coordinators to ensure the accurate execution of research protocols, ethical compliance, and high-quality data collection related to urologic diseases and treatments.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Clinical Research Assistant
- Medical Scribe or Clinical Assistant
- Laboratory or Research Technician
Advancement To:
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Research Project Manager
- Clinical Trials Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Data Analyst (Clinical Research)
- Regulatory Affairs or IRB Specialist
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Assist principal investigators and clinical staff with the execution of urology research studies and clinical trials.
- Screen and identify eligible patients for research participation based on study inclusion and exclusion criteria.
- Obtain and document informed consent in compliance with IRB and regulatory requirements.
- Collect, process, and manage clinical data from patient charts, electronic health records, and research assessments.
- Coordinate patient study visits, procedures, and follow-ups to ensure protocol adherence.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date research documentation, case report forms, and study binders.
- Enter, validate, and audit data in clinical trial management systems and research databases.
- Assist with specimen collection, labeling, processing, and shipment in accordance with study protocols.
- Support urology-specific procedures and assessments, including patient questionnaires and outcome measures.
- Monitor study timelines and milestones to support timely study completion.
- Ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), HIPAA, and institutional research policies.
- Communicate regularly with investigators, coordinators, nurses, and sponsors regarding study status.
- Prepare study materials, regulatory documents, and submissions for IRB review and renewals.
- Track adverse events, protocol deviations, and safety reports and escalate concerns appropriately.
- Assist with recruitment strategies and patient education related to ongoing urology studies.
- Support data cleaning and preliminary analysis for abstracts, posters, and manuscripts.
- Maintain confidentiality of patient data and research records at all times.
- Participate in investigator meetings, research team meetings, and training sessions.
- Coordinate with laboratories, imaging departments, and external vendors as required by study protocols.
- Assist with close-out activities, including data reconciliation and archival of study records.
Secondary Functions
- Support grant-related data collection and reporting requirements.
- Assist with literature reviews and background research for new urology studies.
- Help onboard and train new research staff or students.
- Contribute to quality improvement initiatives within the research program.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Clinical research operations and documentation
- Patient screening and informed consent procedures
- Electronic health record (EHR) navigation
- Clinical trial management systems (CTMS)
- Data entry, validation, and quality control
- Knowledge of GCP, HIPAA, and IRB processes
- Specimen handling and research protocol adherence
Soft Skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Compassionate patient interaction skills
- Organizational and time management abilities
- Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams
- Problem-solving and adaptability in clinical environments
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
Bachelor’s Degree
Preferred Education:
Master’s Degree or post-baccalaureate research training
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Biology or Life Sciences
- Public Health or Clinical Research
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
1–3 years of clinical or academic research experience
Preferred:
Experience in urology, oncology, or surgical research settings