Research Assistant I 40 hour ONE YEAR ASSIGNMENT

Hebrew Rehabilitation Center•Roslindale, MA

17d•Onsite

About The Position

The Marcus Institute for Aging Research is seeking a Research Assistant I to conduct research activities for the “tDCS for Apathy” project, investigating the feasibility and effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on apathy in older adults with dementia. The role also involves supporting other research projects in the Center for Mobility and Falls. Responsibilities include conducting multifaceted assessments such as vital signs, cognitive-motor function, EEG, and questionnaires, communicating with older adults, data collection and management, conducting phone and in-person assessments, traveling to participants’ homes for interventions and assessments, processing participant reports, and maintaining regulatory records. A working knowledge of research protocols is required, with a preference for knowledge specific to health and well-being in aging, cognitive dysfunction, and related concepts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline such as biology, psychology, neuroscience, or similar field.
Relevant clinical or academic research experience (2-3 years preferred).
Access to a car and willingness to travel locally within the Greater Boston area for study related activities over most weekdays.
General computer literacy required; experience with Windows, Word, and Excel.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, both in person and over the phone.
Careful attention to details and compliance, especially in handling participant data and regarding participant confidentiality.
Strong organizational and collaborative skills.
Ability to demonstrate creativity and initiative while maintaining discipline and sound judgment to manage high workloads and competing priorities.
Flexibility regarding project demands, including adapting to changes in schedules, coverage gaps, new technologies, and unanticipated participant needs.
Self-motivated and comfortable balancing independent work and collaborative teamwork with other research staff members.
Positive demeanor, good intuition, and sound judgment.
Ability to handle and flexibly adapt to difficult situations and changing priorities.
Working knowledge of the conduct of research protocols.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge specific to health and well-being in aging, cognitive dysfunction, and other study-related core concepts.
Previous work with older adults.
Experience with REDCap.
Experience with REDCap is helpful.

Responsibilities

Carry out research activities on various projects in collaboration with others.
Conduct informed consent with research participants.
Conduct participant screenings.
Schedule visits with research participants.
Administer questionnaires by phone and in-person.
Conduct in-person assessments with older adult research participants.
Follow standardized research protocols for assessments of cognition and mood.
Follow standardized research protocols for the delivery of tDCS and assessment of brain EEG signals.
Utilize study technologies and provide training to older adult participants on study-related technology use.
Conduct at-home visits for brain stimulation as needed.
Assist with recruitment of research participants.
Perform data collection and management.
Prepare assessment reports for research participants and communicate relevant information to caregivers or healthcare providers as appropriate.
Assist with formal data cleaning, update procedures, and assist with Quality Assurance/Quality Control procedures.
Maintain familiarity with current scientific literature and may assist with scientific research papers.
Prepare abstracts for scientific meetings.
Prepare IRB correspondence and IRB reports under supervision.
File adverse event reports with the IRB according to established protocols when required.
Conduct participant screenings, schedule, facilitate study visits, and manage assigned research activities independently.
Escalate questions or concerns to study supervisors appropriately.
Complete additional project-related tasks as assigned.