*This position will remain open until a candidate has been successfully identified. *

DESCRIPTION

The Division of Dysmorphology and Teratology is involved in four major areas: 1) providing clinical services to patients with birth defects and developmental disabilities, 2) providing public health services in counseling patients, providers and education to the public about prenatal exposures and exposures during breastfeeding and their impact on child development and health, 3) a teaching program that includes undergraduate students, graduate students in epidemiology, medical students, and post -doctoral students, pediatrics, epidemiology, health behavior, global health, pharmacy, and other specialties; and, 4) conducting clinical research.

The Center for Better Beginnings within the Division of Dysmorphology and Teratology in the Department of Pediatrics at UCSD conducts research studies to better understand the causes, prevention and treatment of birth defects and developmental disabilities. Research programs and projects within the Division involve federal, state and industry sponsored grants and contracts totaling over $40 million. These encompass national and international studies that require complex interrelated infrastructure and shared resources both within the Division and with collaborators and subcontractors outside the Division.

Under supervision of the Recruitment Supervisor, the Research and Recruitment Assistant is responsible for screening and recruitment of pregnant women for a multi-site prospective pregnancy registry study. Responsibilities include contacting, screening, and consenting, potential study participants, data entry, and other record-keeping tasks. The incumbent has has the ability to obtain and respond to very sensitive and personal health information over the telephone in a professional manner, as well as read and understand pregnancy terminology.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school or a GED and one (1) year of experience, preferably in public contact work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

• Strong writing and communication skills with ability to draft letters and emails, using correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, composition, text editing, and excellent proofreading skills.

• Proficient experience using word processing applications, creating spreadsheets and reports, and entering data into databases and spreadsheets.

• Ability to handle repetitive details. Strong organizational skills, including ability to prioritize workload with time sensitivity.

• Proven experience working independently and meeting deadlines with minimal supervision and with a high level of professionalism.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to obtain and respond to very sensitive and personal health information over the telephone in a professional manner.

• Ability to work in a team environment, and communicate effectively and professionally both with team members, as well as with callers.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience conducting phone or in-person interviews with research participants relating to medical or psychological studies with ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Experience in a biomedical research setting.
• Theoretical knowledge of biology, toxicology or embryology, or other science/health related field at a level typically acquired at a Bachelors degree level or the equivalent of education and experience.
• Experience administering consent in a research or clinical setting.
• Familiarity with medical terminology, pregnancy terminology, and pharmaceutical products.
• Proficiency both oral and written in Spanish language.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Scheduled work hours may vary as this project follows subjects residing throughout North America and time zone differences require availability outside normal day-time working hours.