Research Scientist, Psychiatry (per diem)

Position: Research Scientist, Psychiatry (Psychosis Care)       

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.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Research Scientist leads the planning, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of various research and evaluation projects, with a focus on advising and supervising Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Community Advisory Boards (CABs) engaged in research, evaluation, and programmatic activities. Working as Principal Investigator (PIs), and collaboratively with other PIs and interdisciplinary teams, the Research Scientist provides clinical consultation, methodological guidance, oversight, and training to ensure high-quality, ethical, and culturally responsive research practices. The Research Scientist also oversees data analysis, grant development, and dissemination of findings. They will document and establish files on all statistical analyses performed, prepare data for use in peer-review publications, and will work with independently as a Principal Investigator and in collaboration with other Principal Investigators to write manuscripts and edit materials developed by research team members and staff. Because the position involves research with clinically complex patient populations across mental health diagnoses, interpretation of mental and physical health outcomes and oversight of participants in human subjects research, clinical expertise and medical training are required.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the planning, design and implementation of research, evaluation, and quality improvement projects, including development of study protocols, analytic plans, and data collection procedures
• Plan, conduct, and oversee quantitative and/or qualitative data analyses using appropriate analytic methods
• Interpret clinical data (psychiatric symptoms, diagnoses, medication use, and comorbid conditions) to ensure that research findings are clinically meaningful.
• Direct the development of competitive grant proposals and scientific funding applications, including shaping research aims, overseeing preliminary analyses, and authoring or supervising preparation of methods sections and supporting materials.
• Serve as the subject-matter expert in the preparation of scholarly and applied research products, including peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, policy briefs, and presentations for academic, clinical, and community audiences
• Make independent decisions regarding research implementation, protocol modifications, and analytic approaches, within the scope of approved study designs and regulatory requirements.
• Advise and supervise Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Community Advisory Boards (CABs) engaged in research, evaluation, and program activities
• Provide training and ongoing guidance to CHWs and CABs on study protocols, data collection procedures, documentation standards, and ethical research practices
• Support CHWs and CABs in understanding the goals, methods, and implications of research activities in ways that align with community-based and trauma-informed approaches
• Collaborate with leadership and program staff to integrate CHW perspectives into study design, implementation, and interpretation of findings
• Serve as the primary clinical authority and escalation point for research staff, addressing protocol deviations, participant concerns, and operational challenges that require medical judgment.
• Provide supervision, mentorship, and professional development support to junior research staff, analysts, students, or trainees
• Participate in internal and external meetings with collaborators, partners, and funders, and provide written and verbal summaries of research progress and findings
• Ensure that research activities adhere to institutional, regulatory, and ethical requirements

(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:

• Requires MD AND and a minimum of 8 years’ experience in related work.
• MPH strongly preferred
• At least 5 years of experience working with community and policy leaders required.
• At least 5 years prior supervisory experience required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Experience with survey and qualitative data, EMR data, clinical trial data

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver required products in a timely manner

• Ability to solve intellectual problems of appreciable variety and complexity using originality and ingenuity.

• Thorough knowledge of research methodology and statistical methods.

• Demonstrated ability to work with a wide variety of data structures, coding schemes, and data sources.

• Attention to detail, documentation and record keeping.

• General familiarity with grant writing and submission.

• Ability to exercise appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action.

• Ability to work successfully in a team environment and effectively represent the work and organization in external environments.

• Demonstrated leadership capacity applicable to design and implementation of scientific research, including applications for funding and other external support.

• Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other divisions/departments/institutions through effective communication.

• Excellent written and oral skills with a proven ability to write for a variety of audiences and interact with all levels of employees.

• Strong computer literacy with Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, Access etc.) and Endnote.

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.

Compensation Range:

This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, skills, and certifications/licensures as they directly relate to position requirements; as well as business/organizational needs, internal equity, and market-competitiveness. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), discretionary annual bonuses and merit increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family well-being. 

NOTE: This range is based on Boston-area data, and is subject to modification based on geographic location.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

According to the FTC, there has been a rise in employment offer scams. Our current job openings are listed on our website and applications are received only through our website. We do not ask or require downloads of any applications, or “apps” job offers are not extended over text messages or social media platforms. We do not ask individuals to purchase equipment for or prior to employment.