POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision the Research Nurse 2 will coordinate and implement the research methodologies for the recruitment, ascertainment, and enrollment of the research study participants for the human genetic studies in the Amish population. The research nurse will utilize their skill and training to enroll individuals utilizing history-taking skills and perform neuropsychology testing to evaluate for cognitive impairment which may include the input of a reliable informant and questionnaires involving questions about activities of daily living and social and environmental determinants of health. The research nurse must be familiar with working with the Amish population be sensitive and understanding of their culture and be able to explain the study in detail and ensure that the questions of the participants about genetics and Alzheimer's disease are answered. The research nurse will utilize their skills as a phlebotomist to draw blood for the genetic studies.

The research nurse will work in an academic research lab that focuses on the genetic architecture of neurodegenerative and ocular diseases, with an emphasis on diversity, recognizing that these conditions manifest differently and at different rates in communities that historically have not been included in large-scale genetic research. Some of the labs foundational research has been among the Amish in Ohio, whose engagement has been instrumental in making breakthrough findings that inform their care and that can also be applied to larger and more diverse data sets.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Coordinate, implement, and evaluate clinical research trials, studies and/or projects. Provide direction in the development of research protocol and activities for the ascertainment, recruitment, and enrollment of study participants for the human genetics research studies in the Amish population. Work closely with the genetic research team who work on the same studies. Contact and travel to enroll participants at their homes and their exam locations. Utilizing a high degree of skill and training, ascertain and enroll participants, which requires sensitivity and experience working with the Amish population. Obtain and review family and medical histories and perform study-specific exams. Identify, obtain, and review appropriate medical records. Utilizing phlebotomy skills, draw, pack, and ship the blood samples for the study. (65%)

2. Identify individuals to be enrolled and maintain a method of keeping track of those eligible for enrollment. Enter study-specific data into the research database. Maintain accurate numbers of enrollments. Create and maintain complete research files and comprehensive databases, including consent forms, demographics, family, and medical history forms as well as all other study-specific forms. Compile reports for bi-weekly meetings and annual review. (25%)

    

NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS

Assist in writing research grants, publications, and study materials. Develop and conduct participant and family education regarding the diseases being studied. Locate or write and provide resources to the participants and their families. Working with the Research Communications Manager, prepare regular research updates, for example, newsletters, publications, or study materials for study participants and contribute to the writing of research grants.  (5%)

May oversee financial accounts to ensure operations remain within budget. (1%)

Perform Travel to Case Western Reserve University as needed to work directly with the principal investigator(s) and study team. Participate in research group meetings (via zoom and once a year in person) and communicate with genetics research study associate III and principal investigator to ensure that work on the studies is being performed as needed and expected. Maintain open communication/collaboration with team working on