Job Summary:

Multiple part-time positions (hours per week to be determined) are available in the Colorado Program for Patient Centered Decisions in ACCORDS (Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science) in the CU Anschutz School of Medicine. Older Adult Research Specialists will support the recruitment and retention of underrepresented populations in clinical trials, including older adults. Older Adult Research Specialists may work in community-based settings, conducting community outreach, engagement, and education activities related to clinical trials, generally, and/or to support recruitment activities for specific clinical trials. Older Adult Research Specialists may also work in more traditional research settings, facilitating discussions as part of the informed consent process. These and other activities may involve working with researchers/research teams and community members on ways to communicate aspects of clinical trials to help ensure this information is understandable to populations with lower health literacy and/or whose experience or knowledge of research contributes to distrust and mistrust. Older Adult Research Specialists, based on their knowledge, experience and attributes, may also have bi-directional roles as educators, helping researchers/research teams identify feasible approaches to enhance the inclusion of underrepresented populations such as older adults in trials. Older Adult Research Specialist roles represent a subset of the roles typically performed by clinical research professionals that are most aligned with the following competency domains of the “competency wheel” put forth by the Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency (

Older Adult Research Specialists can serve a variety of roles. Some Older Adult Research Specialists may be able to specialize in performing outward-facing roles conducting community outreach to engage communities and populations that are currently underrepresented in research (e.g., racial/ethnic minoritized populations, older adults and rural populations) in clinical trials. Other Older Adult Research Specialists may be able to specialize in working one-on-one with individuals facilitating discussions as part of the informed consent process. The role will call for:

• Innovators and change agents
• Educators
• Community engagement specialists
• Communication specialists

Positions may require travel for community-based outreach and engagement events. Depending on specific functions/roles performed, Older Adult Research Specialists may be required to work onsite or have opportunities to telecommute.

Key Tasks Performed:

• Build trust in the research process among those who are currently underrepresented in research.
• Communicate complex research concepts in ways that are understandable to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Help clinical trial research teams identify feasible ways to promote facilitators of, and address barriers to, research participation among populations currently underrepresented in clinical trials.
• Facilitate discussions that help older adults discern whether participating in a clinical trial is right for them (as part of the informed consent process).
• Promote retention in clinical trials among enrolled participants through responsive approaches that anticipate and proactively address factors contributing to drop out/attrition.

This description is a summary only and is describing the general level of work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Why Join Us:

ACCORDS is a unique environment supporting innovative and interdisciplinary research across the CU Anschutz campus. ACCORDS brings together a large group of investigators from multiple disciplines, some who have their primary office at ACCORDS, and others who collaborate with ACCORDS personnel, programs and cores, while maintaining an off-site research home. Our methodologic cores provide support for the development of new projects, grant proposals for faculty, consultative support to investigators, as well as support our programmatic areas.

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty, and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in any field.
  • Substitution: A combination of education and related training (such as completed Health Navigation and Older Adult Research Specialist training available through the Multi-disciplinary Center on Aging at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus) may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Completed Health Navigation and Older Adult Research Specialist training available through the Multi-disciplinary Center on Aging at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
• Bachelor’s degree in science or health related field.
• Clinical research or related experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish.

Knowledge:

• Familiarity with basic medical terminology.
• Familiarity with basic research terminology, particularly language and design features associated with clinical trials.
• Ethical principles guiding the conduct of research involving human subjects and the 9 essential elements of informed consent.

Skills & Abilities:

• Attention to detail (the ability to demonstrate thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing a task).
• Communication (excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to tailor language depending on audience).
• Connection and collaboration (the ability to establish rapport, create and maintain a relationship of trust and build collaborative relationships).
• Coordination (strong organizational capabilities).
• Creativity (ability to think outside the box when addressing problems and identifying solutions, while still being cognizant of relevant regulations).
• Critical thinking skills (ability to make reasoned judgments that are logical and well-thought out).

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

Questions should be directed to: Kate Noonan, kate.noonan@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins on December 19, 2022.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $21.97 to $27.94 per hour.

The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator:

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

The University of Colorado has a requirement for COVID-19 vaccinations and full completion thereof by 9/1/21 or upon start date. Information regarding this requirement, and exemptions can be found at:

Unit-Specific Exemptions:

• Anschutz Campus – Accommodations may be granted for medical or religious reasons.

The University of Colorado seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty, and staff of diverse backgrounds