Research Assistant - Transplant Surgery

Research Assistant

Job Summary

The Clinical Research Assistant – Transplant Surgery is a
research-focused position that supports translational and clinical
research activities within the Division of Transplant Surgery. This
role plays a central part in the collection and processing of
surgical specimens, development and maintenance of a transplant
biorepository, and accurate abstraction and management of research
data.

Working under the direction of PhD research faculty and Senior
Research Specialists, the Research Assistant executes IRB-approved
research protocols and supports high-quality, compliant research
operations. Responsibilities include time-sensitive intraoperative
specimen handling, medical record review within Epic, REDCap
database implementation, and independent obtaining of informed
consent for research participation once trained.

This position operates in a hybrid, mobile work environment and
requires flexibility to support transplant-related research
activities aligned with operating room schedules. While the role is
primarily research-focused, it is expected to support an expanding
portfolio of clinical research studies as the program grows.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for
University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job
levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and
budget.

Responsibilities

Patient-Sensitive Research Environment

• This position is designated as patient-sensitive and involves

work in patient care areas, including operating rooms and other
clinical settings.• Employees must comply with all institutional,
state, and federal requirements applicable to patient-sensitive
roles, including immunization, infection prevention, and safety
standards.• Adheres to hospital and departmental policies related
to patient safety, privacy, and infection control.

Specimen Collection & Biorepository
Support

• Collects research specimens following surgical procurement in

patient care areas in accordance with IRB-approved protocols.•
Performs time-sensitive specimen processing, including snap
freezing or immediate processing, based on study requirements and
laboratory availability.• Maintains specimen integrity through
accurate labeling, documentation, storage, and chain-of-custody
procedures.• Supports the development, organization, and
maintenance of a transplant-focused biorepository to support
current and future research initiatives.• Coordinates specimen
handling activities with surgical teams, laboratory personnel, and
research staff to ensure protocol adherence.

Research Data Collection & Management

• Reviews operative and clinic documentation within Epic to

abstract research-relevant clinical data.• Accurately enters and
maintains research data within REDCap databases and other required
databases according to research protocols.• Works with
investigators to translate study criteria into structured REDCap
data elements, in coordination with departmental REDCap
specialists.• Ensures data accuracy, completeness, and consistency
across research studies.• Identifies ambiguous, incomplete, or
conflicting source documentation and escalates issues to
appropriate research leadership.

Human Subjects Research & Regulatory
Support

• Independently obtains informed consent from research participants

once trained, using IRB-approved consent forms and procedures.•
Conducts research interactions with patients and participants in
clinical settings in a professional, respectful, and compliant
manner.• Manages consent documentation, ensuring correct version
control and regulatory compliance.• Assists with preparation of
materials for IRB submissions, amendments, and continuing reviews
under the direction of senior research staff.• Maintains strict
adherence to HIPAA, institutional policies, and all applicable
research regulations.

Collaboration & Research Operations

• Works under the day-to-day direction of PhD research faculty and

Senior Research Specialists.• Communicates proactively regarding
task progress, scheduling constraints, and research-related
issues.• Supports coordination between surgical teams, research
personnel, and laboratory staff to ensure timely execution of
research activities.• Contributes to a collaborative,
detail-oriented research environment focused on data quality,
compliance, and operational excellence.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Operates in a hybrid, mobile work environment with required

on-site presence in patient care areas for specimen collection and
laboratory activities.• Utilizes shared collaboration spaces and
laptop-based workflows for data abstraction and documentation.•
Requires schedule flexibility to support transplant-related
research activities aligned with operating room schedules.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general
nature and level of work performed by employees within this
classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as
a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and
qualifications required.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education
can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience
(Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work
experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job
levels:

Research Assistant, II : Requires at least 1 year
of related experience.

Research Assistant, III: Requires 3+ years of
related experience.

Research Assistant, IV: Requires 5+ years of
related experience.

Preferences

• Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the

University of Utah RQI system (to be obtained within 30 days of
hire).• Completion of a medical assisting program.• One year of
experience in research and analytic techniques with demonstrated
statistical and quantitative analysis experience.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN46337B

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Work Schedule Summary:

Department: 01102 - Transplant Surgery

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: $12.62 to $28.96

Close Date: 12/29/2026

Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/209961

je-7a1e5e528e35448c8391abbbba05bc28