Position Title: Programmer/Analyst III

Duties & Responsibilities: Oversee all aspects of research-data collection for multiple cores within the UCLA Alzheimer's Disease Center (ADC) and 1 satellite site. Provide leadership and expertise to all assessment/clinical staff involved in collection of research data. Serve as the first line of communication with investigators interested in mining data archived in the ADC research database. Develop and implement quality control measures to ensure continued, measurable improvement of data integrity and reliability. DATA MANAGEMENT AND QUALITY ASSURANCE:  Establish and maintain productive linkages among the  following: Clinical Core, Neuropathology Core, Imaging and Biomarkers Core, Data Management and Statistics Core, and Olive View satellite site. Regularly monitor data collection operations and reporting functions of the Clinical Core, Neuropathology Core, and the Imaging and Biomarkers Core. Act as primary resource person for data collection activities and facilitate resolution of problems; serve as liaison with Data Management Core to develop and modify computer tools and web-based data system used for data acquisition. Participate in overall planning and integration of data collection efforts: define data requirements, assess site resources, select methods of approach, and plan for and develop modifications to existing systems. Monitor data flow from all sources to ensure timely data entry, make ongoing recommendations, and supervise corrective actions to continually improve reliability of research data. Perform regular quality assurance audits to ensure fidelity between source data and electronic data; recognize irregularities, investigate problems, and provide leadership in problem resolution strategies.  Provide technical assistance for web-based database system to the Cores and Sites. Test and debug data-entry systems and implement interface components to enhance user performance. Supervise NACC submissions and participate in the overall planning and integration of data collection.     DATA QUERY AND REPORTS: Responsible for timely and accurate data submissions established by sponsoring agencies. Convert, merge, and extract relational database across software platforms for data query and validation. Write program codes using statistical software packages for data extraction and logic verification. Provide consultative service to investigators interested in accessing data stored in the ADC research database: explain procedures for data queries, define research variables, assist to formulate and refine data requests. Respond to data query requests: analyze requirements, extract, and report data in accordance to client specifications. Generate and interpret reports as requested by Director to document enrollment rates, follow-up and dropout rates, autopsy rates, etc. ADMINISTRATION: Work to standardize Clinical Core data collection procedures across sites; document inter-site differences and communicate site-specific needs to data management staff. Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) as needed to maximize reliability of data collection and ensure compliance with IRB regulatory guidelines. Schedule and lead meetings as necessary to facilitate open communication and improve/streamline data collection procedures. Develop and present educational/training sessions on topics related to data collection and management to professional staff. Travel to bi-annual meetings of NIA/NIH. Other duties as assigned

Position Qualifications: MS. in research methodology or related field. Five years of direct experience in data management of research database. Strong organizational and administrative skills. Demonstrate ability to make public presentations. Excellent interpersonal skills for working and maintaining cooperative relationship with ADC faculty, physicians, staff, clinical sites, and sponsoring agencies. Knowledge of standardized behavioral, mood, and neurocognitive instruments for memory loss and dementia. Experience in assessment tool designs and instrument validation. Knowledge of UCLA medical IRB policies and HIPAA regulations. Knowledge of both MAC and PC computers. Demonstrated skills and experience in utilization of statistical and database computer packages (SAS and MS Access). Knowledge in relational database file structure and programming techniques. Knowledge and skills in longitudinal research data management using SAS, including data transformation and restructuring. Ability to maximize the utilities of SAS and MS Access database systems and skills to overcome technical limitations to achieve research objectives through innovative programming designs. Ability to troubleshoot data inconsistencies and initiate corrective actions and preventive measures. Ability to identify missing data patterns and skills and knowledge in data mining techniques to determine and analyze missing data sources. Travel 1-2x/year out of state for NIA meetings.

Salary Range: $25.98 - $50.29/hourly

Benefits: As a valued full-time member of our staff, you’ll enjoy outstanding benefits, including health, dental and vision plans that begin on your first day and a retirement plan that is one of the best in the nation. You will also receive 13 paid holidays and 15 vacation days beginning your first year. Relocation assistance is available for those who qualify.

Web Site: www.uclahealthcareers.org

Application Address: To apply or for more information, go to www.uclahealthcareers.org and reference job code H63603.

Contact Email: www.uclahealthcareers.org

Application Deadline: 09/30/2012