Research Assistant - Sarawak General Hospital (SGH)

1. Job Purpose

The Research Assistant will provide research and study coordination support for the studies at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH). The Research Assistant will work closely with the Study Coordinator, Principal Investigators, Co-Investigators, clinicians, nurses, laboratory personnel and other study team members to ensure that study activities are conducted consistently and in accordance with the approved study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and institutional requirements.

2. Key Responsibilities

The Research Assistant will support the research studies by assisting the clinicians and Study Coordinator with:

A. Participant Recruitment and Screening

1. Assisting clinicians with patient screening and recruitment process.
2. Explaining the study to eligible participants under supervision of the clinicians.
3. Maintaining accurate recruitment and screening records.
4. Administer study questionnaires to participants and assist in completing the questionnaires
5. Following up with participants when required to complete study-related procedures and data collection.
6. Collect relevant demographic, clinical, treatment and other study-related information from participants and medical records.
7. Assist with data entry into REDCap or other study-approved platforms.
8. Ensure all study-related activities are conducted in accordance with the approved protocol, SOPs, GCP and applicable institutional and regulatory requirements.

B. Biological Sample Collection and Processing

• Assist with the collection, labelling, handling, pre-processing and temporary storage of study biological specimens according to the study protocols and SOPs.
• Support collection of biospecimens such as biopsy tissue, blood, saliva and swab etc.
• Maintain accurate sample tracking and inventory records.
• Report any specimen collection, labelling, processing or storage issues promptly to the Study Coordinator or designated supervisor.
• Preparing collected samples for courier to CRMY

C. Study Documentation and Quality Control

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date study documentation, logs and research records.
• Assist in maintaining accurate participant consent forms.
• Ensure that study documents are filed systematically and are readily available for monitoring, audit or review.

D. General Research and Administrative Support

• Participate in study meetings, training sessions and briefings as required.
• Undertake other duties within the scope of the role, as directed by the designated supervisor or Study Coordinator in relation to administrative matters.

3. Qualifications and Experience

Essentials

• Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Science, Medical Science, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to work effectively with clinicians, patients, research staff and other healthcare personnel.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Basic computer literacy and ability to maintain accurate electronic and paper-based records.

Desirable

• Previous experience in clinical research, healthcare, and laboratory work.
• Experience working in a hospital or clinical setting.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia
• Experience with REDCap or other clinical research databases.
• Experience with biological specimen collection, handling or processing.
• Experience in conducting questionnaires or interviews with research participants.