Research Assistant Specialist (Ophthalmology)

Position: Research Assistant Specialist, Ophthalmology

Location: Boston, MA

Schedule: 40 hours 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 Ophthalmic Technician (OT) will assist in patient care activities detailed in the study protocol using approved techniques for research studies. The OT will be working with the investigators on protocols that will investigating abnormalities in the eye, including but not limited to: the cornea, conjunctiva, retina, glaucoma progression, and the effectiveness of various treatment methods. The OT is able to effectively perform appropriate clinical testing such as Visual Acuity Testing, Visual Field Testing, Lensometry, Auto Refractometry, Refractometry, Pupil Assessment, Extra Ocular Motility; Gross External Examination, Applanation Tonometry and tonopen and or iCare eye drop instillation (non-certified personnel to be supervised by licensed person), and ocular imaging such as Fundus Photography, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). The OT also assists the clinical research manager in patient recruitment, coordinate research visits, abstracts medical records, maintains patient databases, enters data into specific data capture forms/portals, performs administrative tasks, assists in grant preparation, and participates with the research team in preparation of data and other reports.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensuring smooth and efficient running of clinical trials as per good clinical practices (GCP) guidelines, and regulatory requirements, coordinating with the PI, research team, and clinic staff for completing research visits seamlessly.
• Perform various ophthalmology tests on research participants. Tests may include: Visual Field Testing, Lensometry, Auto Refractometry, Refractometry, Pupil Assessment, Extra Ocular Motility; Gross External Examination, Applanation Tonometry and tonopen and or iCare eye drop instillation (non-certified personnel to be supervised by licensed person), and Ocular Imaging as per research protocol such as Fundus Photography, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), etc.
• Recruiting and screening potential participants, ensuring they meet study eligibility criteria.
• Obtaining informed consent from participants, explaining the study’s purpose, risks, and any potential benefits.
• Monitoring participant safety and well-being, reporting any adverse events to the PI and sponsor in consultation with the research manager.
• Collecting, documenting, and managing study data accurately and efficiently as per approved methods.
• Serving as a liaison between the research team, participants, and clinic staff for efficient communication.
• Providing training to research and clinical staff on study protocol and facilitate study certification tasks.
• Participates in staff meetings/initiatives including appropriate quality improvement and education activities, or if unable to attend non-mandatory activities, accepts responsibility to review meeting minutes and becomes knowledgeable of issues discussed.
• Assist in writing regulatory applications and submissions prior to initiating the research studies.
• Perform administrative duties associated with the study’s Data Monitoring and Safety Board, tracking and reporting adverse events and collecting data specified by the DMSB.

(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

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (If none, please enter “N/A”):

• Preferably one to two years of education beyond high school (graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant, Ophthalmic Assistant or Allied Health Professional program or equivalent preferred).

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• No certification required; however, we encourage the candidate to be willing to work toward certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COA) and be eligible to take exam within 12 months of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSAs) (If none, please enter “N/A”):

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).
• Bilingual or multi-lingual skills (beyond that of English) appropriate to the patient population served is a plus.
• Training in biostatistics and experience with statistical software programs preferred.
• Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of social, racial, and ethnic populations.
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality of all personal/health-sensitive information.

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

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