Research Assistant

Where Purpose Meets Progress

At the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF), your dedication fuels innovation, transforms patient care, and helps shape the future of cardiovascular medicine. As a Research Assistant, your role goes beyond drawing blood-you become a vital connection between patients and research that leads to life-saving discoveries.

Job Summary

The Research Assistant (RA) supports the ongoing needs of clinical research trials, research databases and other research projects in support of the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF) mission. In collaboration with the clinical research team, this individual is responsible for assistance in a multi-functional capacity to carry out all assigned tasks associated with the collection, documentation, and maintenance of clinical data including phlebotomy, lab processing and shipment, patient study visits, study-related tests and procedures, data entry and administrative responsibilities in clinical research trials.

• Execution of lab duties
• Collect, document, process, package, store, and ship patient samples/specimens per study protocol and IATA regulations
• Track and maintain lab shipping, samples, storage
• Maintain, track and order lab supplies as needed
• Maintain temperature logs where appropriate (freezer, refrigerator, drug and device storage room, or any other place that a study requires a temperature log be kept) and report any temperature deviations
• Maintain equipment maintenance and yearly calibration
• Clean, organize, disinfect lab and lab equipment areas as needed
• Maintain, clean and organize shared storage space
• Assist with study visits
• Room and interact with patients
• Perform and document clinical assessments (vital signs, phlebotomy, ECG, 6MW/5MW, QoL, etc.) within scope of study protocols, local law and regulations
• Clean and disinfect patient care area
• Transport patients as necessary
• Research Participant Scheduling and Registration
• Responsible for research participant scheduling, registration, patient tracking systems, generate and mail out appointment letters, and conduct research visit reminder calls to study participants
• Review study protocols, identifies the scheduling requirements and modifies any tools for accurate scheduling and communicate to the clinical research team as appropriate
• Follows study-specific scheduling requirements, arranges for study visits including research visit with clinical research coordinator and/or physician and required protocol-driven testing and procedures
• Navigates the complexities of scheduling through the clinic, cardiovascular diagnostic and hospital services utilizing influence and customer service skills
• Follows registration requirements according to standards specified for each particular study and related Allina Health operational guidelines
• Collaborates with the clinical research coordinators, clinical research managers and Allina Health to successfully register research participant encounters
• Responds to registration and scheduling inquiries in a timely and accurate manner
• Coordinates patient travel, including hotel reservations and transportation
• Communicates regularly with the clinical research manager to coordinate team schedules regularly and provide back-up coverage where needed
• Data Entry/Special Projects/Imaging transfers
• Assists in the completion of source documentation/case report forms and understands good documentation practices when collecting, recording, data entry and query resolutions under the direct guidance of the clinical research coordinator
• Enter study required source data into electronic database or other study-related systems
• Generate and create study source documentation per protocol eCRF guidelines
• Faxes/copies/files case report forms and source documents
• Participate in recruitment and pre-screening activities to identify potential participants by reviewing EMR, patient charts and patient database
• Assist with the requests of medical records and/or death certificates of potential and current research participants
• Redacts personal health information (PHI) from various documents according to confidentiality guidelines
• Prepares study visit and patient approach packets
• Prepares and mail out ICF packages to potential study participants
• Completes study specific imaging transfers for multiple studies
• Manage and maintain on-site and off-site archiving and storage process and interfaces with off-site storage vendor
• When possible, make suggestions for continuous improvements to the clinical research team as applicable
• Work collaboratively with all MHIF employees as part of a positive, supportive culture
• Complete other administrative and study-related tasks, as assigned

Core Values in Action

At MHIF, our values aren't just words-they guide how we lead and work together:

• Integrity: Do the right thing, even when it's hard. Operate ethically and transparently.
• Innovation: Ask bold questions. Be proactive and curious in improving how we work.
• Collaboration: Support one another, build trust, and celebrate success as one team.
• Excellence : Own your work. Be accountable. Bring urgency and resilience to solving problems.

Relationships

This position reports to the Clinical Research Manager, Prevention/General Cardiology and supports team members across the broader Clinical Research department. The incumbent interacts regularly with MHIF Research Coordinators and other research staff, Minneapolis Heart Institute (MHI) physicians, Abbott Northwestern staff, and vendors.

What Sets You Apart

Required

• High school diploma or GED equivalent. Associate or Bachelor's degree in related field preferred
• Phlebotomy experience
• At least one year of experience working in a clinical setting with exposure to medical charts, basic medical concepts, as well as knowledge of HIPPA regulations and patient/sponsor confidentiality
• Prior experience working with an EMR system (EPIC highly desirable). Minimum one-year experience working with data management systems and/or Microsoft suite
• Strong written and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with team members and contribute to a positive work culture
• Strong skills in interacting with and connecting with study participants/patients
• Must be organized and able to manage multiple projects; ability to shift priorities as instructed
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and changing priorities
• Keen attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Strong problem-solving skills

Physical Demands

• Walk between hospital, clinic, Allina Lab and office repeatedly up to 8 hours per day
• Stand to process lab work up to 4 hours per day
• Must be able to work at a computer for extended period of time
• Answer phone calls from internal and external sources
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Occasional travel to other MHI/MHIF locations may be required

Work Environment

• This position is fulfilled onsite
• Work in a cubicle in a typical office setting on campus
• Work in proximity to a hospital/clinic and laboratory setting with limited exposure to blood and body fluids, and dry ice

Total Rewards

In addition to meaningful, mission-driven work, MHIF offers:

Competitive salary range of $20 - $25 an hour

Comprehensive benefits including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life, short- and long-term disability
• Employer HSA contribution
• 401(k) with employer match and contribution
• Generous PTO, paid holidays, and parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement and paid volunteer time

Why Join MHIF?

"Small team. Global impact."

Here, your work has purpose. Your voice is heard. Your career can grow. We are driven by discovery and grounded in compassion-and we're looking for someone who brings both heart and expertise to the table.

Ready to do work that matters?