Bi-lingual Research Assistant, Family Medicine (per diem)

Position: Research Assistant, Family Medicine       

Location: Boston, MA

Schedule: Per Diem

ABOUT BMC:

At Boston Medical Center (BMC), our diverse staff works together for one goal — to provide exceptional and equitable care to improve the health of the people of Boston. Our bold vision to transform health care is powered by our respect for our patients and our commitment to ensure everyone who comes through our doors has a positive experience. 

You’ll find a supportive work environment at BMC, with rich opportunities throughout your career for training, development, and growth and where you’ll have the tools you need to take charge of your own practice environment.  
 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Research Assistant will perform research activities including: conducting patient recruitment, administering questionnaires, gathering case samples/abstracts medical records, maintaining patient databases, performing administrative tasks, assisting in grant preparation, performing literature searches and preparation of data and other reports.

Hospital discharge is a dangerous time for patients: one in five will suffer an adverse event, such as a medication error, and nearly 25% will be readmitted within 30 days. This is especially true for patients who face communication barriers, including those with low health literacy, are elderly, or have a non-English language preference (NELP).  

The goal of the proposed project is to deliver an educational intervention to patients recently discharged from the hospital. We will recruit patients with at high risk for communication barriers (including those with NELP) currently admitted to the hospital. A nurse will deliver the intervention by phone within 48 hours of discharge. We will evaluate patient outcomes, including by a phone interview within 1-2 weeks of discharge.

Start date: August or September 2025

Time commitment: 10-25 hours per week, ideally through April 2026 (three weeks off for winter holidays)

Desired Skills: strong work ethic, ability to work in multidisciplinary team, interest in health equity and working with populations with NELP, cultural humility, fluency in Haitian Creole required

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Recruit patients currently admitted to the hospital to participate in the study
• Conduct informed consent with participants using interpreter when indicated
• Interface with clinical teams during recruitment and intervention
• Collection and cleaning of data
• Assist PI with study protocols and IRB documents
• Develop case report forms and assist PI with standard operating procedures
• Coordinate study logistics
• Participate in research group biweekly meetings and weekly check ins with PI
• Maintain ethics and regulatory compliance documents
• Assist with preparation of manuscripts (including co-authorship)

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written). Fluency in spoken and written English and Haitian Creole is also required.
• Previous experience with recruiting subjects, with an understanding of the ethical and technical conduct of research preferred
• Previous experience in clinical research, public health experience or working with children and families preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).
• Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of social, racial and ethnic populations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (i.e. MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook) and web browsers.
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality of all personal/health sensitive information.

Applications: Please send materials (statement of interest and CV; will request a letter of recommendation after initial screening).

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

As the primary teaching hospital for Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and BU schools of public health and dentistry, intellectual rigor shapes our inquiries. Our research is led by a belief that skin color, zip code, and financial circumstances shouldn’t dictate health.

Boston Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to Talentacquisition@bmc.org or call 617-638-8582 to let us know the nature of your request.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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