Research Assistant II, Pediatric Neurology

The Division of Pediatric Neurology at Boston Medical Center and the Epilepsy Foundation New England have recently launched a consortium that aims to improve services for youth with epilepsy and co-occurring disorders as they transition into adulthood. The consortium is seeking a full-time Research Assistant II (RA2) to support multiple clinical studies and pilot trials within this unique patient population.


Under the direction of Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Laurie Douglass, the RA2 will oversee the administrative aspects of the research grant(s) and interact with study subjects, clinical research coordinators, study investigators, work study students and other research staff. Duties include but are not limited to, assisting with patient recruitment, scheduling study visits, administering questionnaires, creating and filing case report forms, entering and updating data, maintaining databases, running reports, storing samples, and performing other administrative tasks in support of the clinical studies. The RA2 maintains contact with the participating sites to insure complete and timely data collection, maintains patient profiles, assists with documenting financial and budgetary needs of the grant, and supports the research team with the preparation of data and other reports. Oversees work of Research Assistants, along with training and orientation. Develops and implements patient recruitment strategies and changes to study protocols.



The RA2 will also assist the PI in planning for and developing conference abstracts, poster presentations, and academic manuscripts. This may include conducting literature reviews and performing some data analysis or other tasks as needed.

Position: Research Assistant II, Pediatric Neurology      

Location: Boston, MA

Schedule: 40 hours per week, Hybrid (on-site 2 - 3 days/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 RA2 will oversee the administrative aspects of the grant and interact with study subjects, clinical research coordinators, study investigators, work study students and other research staff.  Duties include: assisting with patient recruitment, scheduling study visits, administering questionnaires, creating and filing case report forms, entering and updating data, maintaining databases, running reports, storing samples, and performing other administrative tasks in support of the clinical studies. The RA2 maintains contact with the participating sites to insure complete and timely data collection, maintains patient profiles, assists with documenting financial and budgetary needs of the grant, and supports the research team with the preparation of data and other reports.  Oversees work of Research Assistants, along with training and orientation. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides assistance in the development of reports, presentations, and data analysis. Assists in data collection and provides feedback on study’s progress.
• Recruits subjects to participate in the study by using approved methodologies, such as, reaching to healthcare providers for referrals, visiting clinics, sending mailouts, using approved advertisements, etc. Conducts the enrollment of study participants, including explaining research procedures, and obtaining informed consent of subjects and/or their families.

• Schedules appointments of study participants; conducts reminder phone calls and/or sends mailouts. Conducts interviews, facilitates focus groups, and administers surveys with study participants in accordance with assigned research protocols
• Reviews the data collection forms for each enrollee for completion and quality; checks work of junior staff performing data entry to ensure timely and accurate entry.  

• Conducts literature searches. Assists Investigators with manuscript and presentation preparation and research.

• Makes independent judgements of suitability of potential participants for clinical trials. Develops and implements patient recruitment strategies.
• Evaluates and recommends changes to study procedures as appropriate.

• Oversees work of junior research assistants, students or volunteers assisting with the grant project.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

• Performs administrative duties associated with the study’s Data Monitoring and Safety Board, tracking and reporting adverse events and collecting data specified by the DSMB.

• 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.

• Obtains and distributes payment vouchers for participant reimbursements/participation. 

(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 highly preferred.
• Master’s Degree is preferred. With a Master's Degree, no work experience is required.

EXPERIENCE:

• 2-5 years of experience and have demonstrated sound independent judgement and competencies in research methodologies.
• Experience with recruiting subjects, with an understanding of the ethical and technical conduct of research.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) are a must.
• Excellent Spanish communication skills (oral and written) strongly preferred.
• Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of social, racial and ethnic populations
• Analytical skill and ability to resolve technical problems and interpret acceptability of data results
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Access and PowerPoint. High degree of computer literacy; experience using quantitative data analysis software helpful (e.g., SPSS, SAS, Minitab).
• Experience with statistical analysis tools a plus. Ability to perform basic data management tasks (coding, data entry, data cleaning, retrieval). Ability to perform basic data analysis and reporting (in words, numbers and graphics).

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS (Responsible for on-call, 24 hr. coverage, etc.):

May require flexibility to work weekends and evenings

This position is funded by a 2 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