Job Description

Clinical Research Assistant

Location: Hagerstown, MD Position Type: Full-Time, Entry-Level

Wage: Hourly $20.00-$22.00

Start/End Time: 6:30am-3:00pm

Position Overview

The Clinical Research Coordinator Assistant (CRCA) is an entry-level role designed for individuals interested in beginning a career in clinical research within a specialized medical setting. Our practice focuses on Ophthalmology with a subspecialty in Retinal Disease, caring for patients with complex conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, uveitis, inherited retinal diseases, and other vision-threatening disorders.

This position supports our site's clinical research program by assisting with documentation, chart preparation, patient-care workflow, and day-to-day coordination of clinical trial activities. Working within a retina practice provides a unique opportunity to learn both clinical research operations and the foundational patient-care workflows essential for supporting patients undergoing diagnostic imaging, intravitreal injections, vision testing, and ophthalmic evaluations.

The CRCA will work closely with Clinical Research Coordinators and Physician Investigators to ensure smooth, compliant, and efficient conduct of clinical trials while gaining hands-on experience in both patient-focused care and research processes. This role also serves as a professional development pathway, preparing team members for internal growth and expanded responsibilities within our clinical research program.

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Key Responsibilities

Patient Care & Retina Workflow Support

Assist in preparing charts and materials for patients enrolled in retina clinical trials involving investigational therapies, imaging studies, and specialized treatment protocols.

Learn ophthalmic and retina-specific workflow standards, including patient movement between imaging, testing, provider evaluation, and research-specific procedures.

Support coordinators during patient visits by gathering necessary documentation, prepping research forms, and ensuring all protocol-required assessments are ready for the visit.

Develop an understanding of common retinal diseases, patient symptoms, diagnostic imaging modalities (OCT, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography), and treatment approaches used in clinical care and research.

Clinical Research Documentation

Learn to prepare, maintain, and organize essential clinical research documents, including source documents, visit templates, patient binders, and regulatory materials.

Assist in collecting and recording pertinent patient-care information following protocol guidelines and site procedures.

Ensure documentation accuracy to support high-quality data collection, protocol adherence, and regulatory compliance.

Study Operations & Administrative Support

Help support workflow efficiencies for clinical trial visits, including scheduling support, room preparation, and communication among imaging teams, coordinators, technicians, and physician investigators.

Assist with filing, data entry, document tracking, and general administrative tasks associated with study operations.

Contribute to maintaining a clean, organized research area that promotes efficient workflow and positive patient experience.

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Training, Development & Growth Opportunities

Receive hands-on training in ophthalmology workflows, retina disease fundamentals, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), protocol requirements, and clinical research documentation standards.

Gain exposure to state-of-the-art imaging technology and treatment procedures commonly used in retina care.

Build foundational skills that prepare you for internal advancement into Clinical Research Coordinator roles or other specialized research positions.

Develop increased responsibility over time as competency is demonstrated, including potential involvement in more complex study tasks or patient-facing research procedures.

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Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in a healthcare or science-related field preferred.

Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow structured workflows and documentation standards.

Excellent communication, organization, and multitasking skills.

Interest in clinical research, healthcare, ophthalmology, or patient-care operations.

Comfortable learning new systems, processes, technology, and medical terminology.

Ability to work collaboratively and compassionately within a fast-paced clinical environment.

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Ideal Candidate

You are eager to learn and passionate about supporting patient care. You have a strong interest in clinical research, ophthalmology, or healthcare and are excited about working within a specialty that directly impacts patients' quality of life and vision outcomes. You thrive in a collaborative, detail-oriented environment and seek an entry point into clinical research with clear opportunities for internal growth and advancement.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Work Location: In person