Clinical Research Assistant – Colorectal Surgery Marks Colorectal Surgical Associates
You would serve as a Clinical Research Assistant for one year at Marks Colorectal Surgical Associates, working closely with Dr. John H. Marks, an internationally recognized colorectal surgeon and leader in minimally invasive and sphincter-preserving colorectal cancer surgery. Dr. Marks’ academic work focuses on advancing surgical techniques, outcomes research, and innovation in laparoscopic, robotic, and transanal approaches to colorectal disease.
Our research group is dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer and complex colorectal diseases through rigorous clinical research. Our focus includes: minimally invasive and robotic colorectal surgery; sphincter-preserving rectal cancer management; transanal endoscopic and transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) techniques; oncologic outcomes; and quality improvement in colorectal surgery. Research efforts are tightly integrated with clinical care and multidisciplinary collaboration, including participation in the Rectal Cancer Management Conference, where complex cases are discussed among surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists.
As a research assistant in Dr. Marks’ team, you will work closely with surgeons, fellows, and multidisciplinary providers, with direct exposure to the operating room, inpatient rounds, and outpatient clinics. You will play a central role in organizing research studies, managing surgical databases, and contributing to abstracts, manuscripts, and national and international presentations.
Job responsibilities include:
- Provides assistance on clinical research studies in accordance with study protocols and institutional guidelines.
- Collects, reviews, and manages clinical and operative data related to colorectal surgical procedures.
- Maintains and updates surgical databases used for outcomes research and quality improvement initiatives.
- Coordinates with surgeons, fellows, and research staff to ensure accurate and complete data capture.
- Participates in multidisciplinary Rectal Cancer Management Conferences, assisting in case preparation and presentation development.
- Assists with preparation of abstracts, manuscripts, book chapters, and presentations for submission to surgical and oncologic journals and conferences.
- Helps prepare presentations for national and international meetings, webinars, and educational conferences.
- Maintains organized research records and documentation in compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
- Assists with literature reviews, data analysis, and figure or table preparation as needed. 10. Supports general research operations, including scheduling meetings and coordinating project timelines.
- All other duties, as assigned.
Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent written and verbal communication. The ideal applicant is highly motivated, interested in academic medicine and surgery, and eager to gain hands-on clinical research experience. A bachelor’s degree is required; prior experience in clinical research, data analysis, or an academic medical environment is preferred.
This position has an excellent track record of preparing fellows for acceptance into competitive medical schools and provides substantial opportunities for authorship, presentation, and mentorship.
Interested candidates may apply by sending their cover letter and resume to Emma Ton at crresearch@mlhs.org.
For more information, visit: https://www.markscolorectal.org/research-assistant-experience
