Clinical Research Assistant

University of Massachusetts Medical School•Worcester, MA

10h

About The Position

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator or designee, the Clinical Research Assistant performs delegated tasks and procedures involving human subjects in support of clinical research protocols. The role supports the STAR-R study, an NIH-funded randomized controlled trial evaluating community-based interventions for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders who are transitioning from incarceration to the community. Working as part of a multidisciplinary research team at UMass Chan Medical School, the Research Assistant supports participant recruitment, screening, informed consent, and enrollment; coordinates and conducts research assessments and follow-up interviews; maintains accurate study documentation and data in REDCap; and assists with participant tracking and retention. The position involves collaboration with correctional facilities, community reentry programs, and behavioral health service providers. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong interpersonal and organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to engage respectfully with individuals experiencing complex behavioral health and social needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Experience using computer-based tools such as Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Oral and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting human subjects research, including recruitment, informed consent, interviews, or data collection.
Experience working with justice-involved populations or individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Familiarity with REDCap or other electronic research data management systems.
Experience working in community-based research or behavioral health settings.
Ability to establish rapport with diverse and potentially underserved populations.
Willingness and ability to travel to community-based research and recruitment sites, as required by the position.

Responsibilities

Assist the Principal Investigator in developing protocol-specific tools to support study documentation.
Collect, record, evaluate, update, and store or transport data and samples related to the protocol.
Schedule patient tests and interviews.
Conduct patient telephone follow-up.
Maintain appropriate operations, including stocking, inventorying, storing, and ordering samples and supplies.
Review medical records and medical record abstractions for consistency and completeness.
Comply with established policies, health and safety regulations and requirements, procedures, and department objectives.
Maintain patient and study subject confidentiality.
Support participant recruitment, screening, informed consent, and enrollment for the STAR-R study.
Coordinate and conduct research assessments and follow-up interviews.
Maintain accurate study documentation and data in REDCap.
Assist with participant tracking and retention.
Collaborate with correctional facilities, community reentry programs, and behavioral health service providers.