Harm Reduction Research Assistant Specialist

Boston Medical Center • Boston, MA

1d • $17 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

The Harm Reduction Research Assistant Specialist (HRRAS) will assist in participant activities detailed in the study protocol to support a SafeSpot intervention study which aims to develop, implement, and evaluate an intervention to engage overdose survivors to use an overdose prevention hotline and reduce their unwitnessed substance use. The HRRAS will support the multidisciplinary team recruiting and retaining study participants from multiple community-based organizations, collecting study data through a variety of methods (questionnaires, qualitative interviews, focus groups, proof of concept trials), and additional day-to-day study activities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and a minimum of two years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Organization skills and strong attention to detail
• Strong time management and task prioritization skills
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality of all personal/health-sensitive information.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of two years of relevant experience
• Knowledge of harm reduction principles, substance use disorders, or related work a plus
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams

Responsibilities

• Supporting coordination and the conduct of focus group sessions and qualitative interviews for intervention development, assist with content analysis
• Ensuring smooth and efficient running of the clinical trial as per good clinical practices (GCP) guidelines, and regulatory requirements, coordinating with the PI, research team, and clinic staff for completing research visits seamlessly.
• Recruiting and screening potential participants admitted to the hospital, from post overdose programs, harm reduction organizations, and street outreach and potential participants expressing interest through posted flyers, advertising, social media, and word of mouth, ensuring they meet study eligibility criteria.
• Distribute recruitment materials (posters, flyers, and cards) at community-based organizations and clinical sites.
• Obtaining informed consent from participants, explaining the study’s purpose, risks, and any potential benefits.
• Scheduling study participants for in-person, telephone and virtual appointments, accommodating participants’ technology resources and skills.
• Regularly contact participants to retain them for the duration of the study
• Monitoring participant safety and well-being, reporting any adverse events to the PI and sponsor in consultation with the research director.
• Collecting, documenting, and managing study data (study questionnaires and qualitative interviews) accurately and efficiently as per approved methods.
• Maintain and update study documentation (e.g. study trackers, logs, progress notes, etc.)
• Serving as a liaison between the research team, participants, and community organization staff for efficient communication.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees