Clinical Research Assistant I RESEARCH NEUROLOGY Khurana Lab

Site: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.

 

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

 

New budgeted research role

 

Job Summary

Summary
We are looking for a hardworking, detail orientated, and focused candidate. Good interpersonal skills are required. The ideal candidate will be interested to grow in a long-term biomedical career in medicine or clinical research. Most time will be dedicated to clinical research activities, but there will be ample exposure to both clinical evaluation and basic science related to multiple system atrophy (MSA), Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Wet lab procedures could include processing of patient samples for biobanking and culture of skin biopsy-derived fibroblasts. There is an opportunity for a collaborative project with neuroradiology involving image processing. There will be a requirement to keep detailed logs of patient research visits and research activities and liaise with regulatory staff for small-scale clinical trials. Interdisciplinary interactions will include physicians, scientists and allied health professionals. There will be opportunity to contribute to scientific publications arising from this work.

Encompasses a variety of clinical and administrative tasks and responsibilities which serve to facilitate the flow of patients through the clinic and to enhance the quality of care to patients. The emphasis is primarily administrative and placed on the ability to organize priorities, complete tasks, manage confidential patient information, schedule appointments, arrange diagnostic testing and referrals, and assist with insurance-related issues.  Depending on interest, participation in research protocols may also be possible.

Does this position require Patient Care?
No

Essential Functions
-Collects and organizes patient data.
-Maintains records and databases.
-Uses software programs to generate graphs and reports.
-Assists with recruiting patients for clinical trials.
-Obtains patient study data from medical Records, Physicians, etc.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
-Assists research colleagues in the implementation, both internally and externally, of sponsored clinical research studies.
-Initiates and maintains contact with study participants. Responsible for screening applicants, ensuring they meet appropriate criteria, and makes independent judgment as to the suitability of their participation. May be required to administer clinical tests such as smell tests, Montreal Cognitive Assessments, etc. There may be opportunities to take history of patients, write up reports for attendings’ review, and shadow on a weekly basis.
-Working in concert with Principal Investigator and/or Research Manager, develops and implements patient recruitment strategies.
-Develops, organizes, and/or maintains study databases, including a registry of patients tracked by the division. Responsible for data validation and quality control.
-In conjunction with Research Manager/Principal Investigator, develops and implements new research protocols including design, data collection system sand institutional review board approval.
-Recommends changes to research protocols.
-Performs literature searches, as appropriate.
-Assists PI or Research Manager with preparation for presentation and written published articles; there are opportunities to communicate research to colleagues.
-Responsible for training and orienting new staff.
-All other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications

Education
 

-Bachelor of Science degree in a biological science preferred, or equivalent (e.g., pre-medical post baccalaureate coursework)

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
No

Experience
-Knowledge of clinical Research Protocols 0-1 year preferred.

-Prior experience in the clinic or clinical research is highly desired.
-Familiarity with research analysis.
-At least one year of work experience in a research setting. Sound independent judgment and competence in research methodologies.
-Ability to commit to at least one year of work with a strong preference for two years.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
-Careful attention to details.
-Good organizational skills.
-Good communication skills.
-Knowledge of clinical Research Protocols.

-Ability to work independently