SPEC Research Assistant II

Job Overview 

The Research Assistant II will be a member of the Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health (CEVR), which is part of the Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.

The RA position supports research activities involving health plan coverage of medical technology, health economics, and cost-effectiveness analyses. Activities include but are not limited to data extraction, management and analysis, review and summary of literature, and assisting with the preparation of manuscripts and presentations. The position requires strong writing and organizational skills. 

The research assistant’s primary responsibility will be to support the Specialty Drug Evidence and Coverage (SPEC) Database, which CEVR researchers use to examine patient access to specialty medications through private health plan coverage decisions.

The RA must be able to work independently and handle competing demands to meet project deadlines.  The RA will be supervised by CEVR faculty and senior research staff.

Job Description 

Minimum Qualifications: 

1. Bachelor’s degree in an Educational Related Program, relevant to research, preferably in a quantitative or scientific field with an interest in health policy. Economics, biostatistics or data science degree a plus.

2. Two (2) years of research experience. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

1. Master’s degree in a quantitative or scientific area of study. 

2. Three (3) years of academic, clinical, or scientific research in a medical setting. 

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. 

This position provides assistance in support of research activities under supervision of the Principal Investigator.

1. Data extraction, management, and analysis.

2. Conducting literature searches and developing written literature summaries. 3. Assisting with manuscript and grant application preparation, including the drafting of text, preparation of tables and figures, and preparation of bibliographies.

4. Assisting with other research activities.

5. Assists with preparation of abstracts, presentations, and publications as needed.

6. May train other research assistants, interns, or students.

7. May assist PI with protocol review and development.

8. Attends meetings as required.

9. Maintains collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working group’s achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment.

10. Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

Physical Requirements:  

1. Ability to sit for extended periods of time.  

Skills & Abilities: 

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Strong computer skills, including proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel and Power Point).

Familiarity with databases (e.g., experience using MS Access) and/or computer programming skills are a plus.

Ability to work both independently with limited supervision as well as in a collaborative team environment.

Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities appropriately.

Strong organizational skills and attention to details.

Care in organization and systematic record-keeping

Ability to prioritize quickly and appropriately