Research Specialis I Geriatrics

Boston University•Boston, MA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The New England Centenarian Study and Long Life Family Study, based at Boston University School of Medicine seeks a Research Specialist (RS) to be responsible for collection and management of study participant data. This position will work both independently and as a member of a team to collect clinical data from study participants ages 18 to 110+ years during in-person home visits, telephone, and video visits. The Research Specialist will receive standardized training in conducting and scoring various measures and will work toward certification in these measures in order to perform them independently. They will obtain vital signs measures, conduct cognitive testing, perform carotid ultrasounds, administer physical function assessments, troubleshoot technology, and draw blood, if interested, or coordinate phlebotomy and stool collection with lab agencies. After each visit, the research specialist will score the cognitive data, process digital cognitive and physical function data and will assist with periodic data quality control efforts. The RS receives a list of data that have been flagged for review. The RS determine whether followup questions are required from the participant and collect the necessary information to resolve the error, whether the data were entered incorrectly, or whether the flagged values are valid data outside the typical range. Additionally, the RS will obtain annual follow-up data via mailed and telephone-administered questionnaires. The position is located in Boston, MA. Schedule is Monday-Friday, typically 9:00am-5:00pm but varies depending on daily schedule to accommodate participants. Occasional Saturdays required (3-4 in Spring and 3-4 in Fall). Travel to participants' homes to conduct offsite examinations and coordination of travel logistics for multiple visits may be required. The RS works one-on-one with participants without supervision to perform assessments and collect data. The RA independently determines the best engagement methods to achieve the participant's maximal performance while ensuring their safety and gauges the participant's stamina and effort to determine when to terminate the assessments.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
1-3 years of experience

Nice To Haves

Previous phlebotomy experience
Willingness to take part in a phlebotomy course
Spanish fluency

Responsibilities

Collection and management of study participant data.
Collect clinical data from study participants during in-person home visits, telephone, and video visits.
Conduct and score neuropsychological assessments.
Conduct and score Short Physical Performance Battery.
Conduct and score vitals and anthropometry assessment.
Conduct and score neuromotor exam.
Perform carotid ultrasounds.
Process blood samples.
Perform phlebotomy.
Administer video visits and provide technical troubleshooting.
Obtain vital signs measures.
Conduct cognitive testing.
Administer physical function assessments.
Troubleshoot technology.
Draw blood, if interested, or coordinate phlebotomy and stool collection with lab agencies.
Score cognitive data after each visit.
Process digital cognitive and physical function data.
Assist with periodic data quality control efforts.
Determine if follow-up questions are required from participants to resolve data errors.
Collect necessary information to resolve data errors.
Obtain annual follow-up data via mailed and telephone-administered questionnaires.
Work one-on-one with participants without supervision to perform assessments and collect data.
Independently determine best engagement methods to achieve participant's maximal performance while ensuring safety.
Gauge participant's stamina and effort to determine when to terminate assessments.
Coordinate travel logistics for multiple visits.