Research Assistant, Bi-lingual - Infectious Diseases

Position: Research Assistant, Bi-lingual - Infectious Diseases       

Location: Boston, MA

Schedule: 40 hours per week, Hybrid (2 - 3 days on-site per week)

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 (RA) will support the research studies and initiatives under the NIH-funded Massachusetts Community Engagement Alliance (MA-CEAL) Program. The RA will coordinate assigned administrative aspects of the study and interact with study subjects and the study research team. The RA will be responsible for coordinating their own travel arrangements to study sites. The RA will interact with study subjects, research study coordinators, study investigators, community engagement specialists, work study students/interns and other research staff.  The RA aids in analysis of qualitative data and supports the research team with the preparation of data and other reports.

The ideal candidate must be bilingual (Spanish/English).

This research project is located within the Section of Infectious diseases at Boston Medical Center and involves collaboration with partners across Boston Medical Center, Boston University and community organizations. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides assistance in the development of reports, presentations, and data analysis. Assists in qualitative and quantitative data collection and provides feedback on study’s progress.
• Recruits subjects to participate in the study by using approved methodologies. Schedules appointments of study participants; conducts reminder phone calls and/or sends mailouts.
• Conducts the enrollment of study participants, including explaining research procedures, and obtaining informed consent of subjects and/or their families.
• Attends off-site events for purposes of data collection, as needed. Events may be on evenings and/or weekends. Conducts qualitative interviews of study participants, employing best practices for qualitative data collection.

• Reviews the data collection forms for each enrollee for completion and quality; aids in data entry, ensuring timely and accurate entry.
• Works with translation service vendors to ensure timely and accurate translation of study materials and data, as needed.
• Conducts literature searches. Assists Investigators with manuscript and presentation preparation and research.
• Demonstrates sensitivity and respect for the culture of the participant.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

• Responsible for the administrative aspects of the research study, including: managing program records and handling communication needs of the program.
• Prepares and maintains Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals and correspondence, including amendments and renewals as necessary.
• Performs office-related duties such as answering phones, picking up and delivering mail, ordering and distributing office supplies, handling faxes, scanning, filing, photocopying, collating materials, maintaining the update of policy manuals, etc.
• Obtains and distributes payment vouchers for participant reimbursements/participation. 
• May provide assistance in the development of reports, presentations, and data analysis.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job.  The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree is required. Major in a field related to the research is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Prior experience in human subjects’ research preferred.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).
• Bilingual (Spanish and English). The ideal candidate must be fluent in Spanish  
• Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of social, racial and ethnic populations
• Organizational ability to perform multiple tasks efficiently and to prioritize duties.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, database systems, and web browsers
• Ability to perform basic data management tasks (data entry, data cleaning, retrieval). Ability to perform basic data analysis and reporting (in words, numbers and graphics). 
• Must have a productive and professional location to work remotely.

This position is funded by a 4 year grant. There may be opportunity beyond this grant funding for position integration into ongoing operations.

JOB BENEFITS:

• Competitive pay
• Tuition reimbursement and tuition remission programs
• Highly subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Career Advancement/Professional Development: Access a wealth of ongoing training and development opportunities that will not only enhance your skills but also expand your knowledge base especially for individuals pursuing careers in medicine or biomedical research.
• Pioneering Research: Engage in groundbreaking research projects that are driving the forefront of biomedical science.

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