Senior Research Assistant, Data Studies

Fenway Health•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Senior Research Assistant supports the implementation and conduct of departmental studies and projects in collaboration with the Health Center and external co-investigators. The role reports to the Project Manager and combines participant-facing research, data management and analysis, regulatory coordination, laboratory work, and administrative support. The Senior Research Assistant also contributes to study development and publication of findings, and coordinates training and work readiness for new study staff. The position conducts research interviews, surveys, focus groups, and study visits; contacts and consents potential participants; and maintains confidentiality and ethical standards. It supports protocol development and revision, data collection and quality control, regulatory and IRB activities, study monitoring, and coordination with funders and research partners. Laboratory duties include collecting, processing, analyzing, storing, and shipping specimens; maintaining lab equipment and supplies; and entering clinical and laboratory results. The role also coordinates study meetings, assists with manuscripts and grant materials, and communicates project progress to the Project Manager and Principal Investigator. This is a union position in a Fenway Health bargaining unit represented by 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. The employer describes competitive salaries and, for those who qualify, a benefits package including medical and dental insurance and a retirement plan with employer match, as well as paid holidays and vacation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Two years of experience working as a Research Assistant.
Experience with research concepts and techniques, including qualitative interviewing and basic quantitative analytical skills.
Ability to function autonomously within a collaborative interdisciplinary team involving research, medical, and behavioral health care.
Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong administrative skills and attention to detail.
Strong computer skills and familiarity with data entry, management, and analysis.
Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences, with professionalism, empathy, and cultural awareness.
Ability to sit at a computer station and keyboard for extended periods, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Ability to conduct in-person physical assessments with research participants, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Nice To Haves

Work experience in a biological or health science-related field.
One to two years of experience with human subjects.
Experience with REDCap.
Familiarity with laboratory techniques.
Familiarity working with individuals who are HIV-infected or at risk for HIV infection.
Clinical research experience.
Experience with EMRs/EHRs.

Responsibilities

Conduct research interviews, surveys, focus groups, and study visits according to study-specific protocols.
Contact potential participants, explain study requirements, obtain informed consent, and conduct behavioral interviews in a clear, open-minded, non-judgmental manner.
Administer participant surveys and maintain confidentiality and ethical accountability in interactions with study participants.
Assist with study design, protocol development and revision, and questionnaire and interview-format revision in accordance with funder guidelines and HIPAA requirements.
Communicate lab results and other pertinent information to primary care providers when requested by participants and permitted by consent and department policy.
Design and implement data management systems; supervise the quality of written and computerized statistical data; generate descriptive statistics, projections, and other requested analyses.
Maintain confidential records and complete, current demographic information for research clients.
Promote communication among coworkers about protocol changes and information relevant to department and study goals.
Develop standard operating procedures in accordance with study protocols and laboratory safety regulations.
Coordinate site visits with study monitors, support monitors during visits, and organize responses to site visit reports.
Maintain contact with agencies involved in study implementation, including laboratories, data centers, contractors, funders, and project staff.
Assist with data entry and quality checks; investigate inconsistencies in data and collection; and design file-management systems and structures.
Coordinate with funders and project staff to ensure data collection follows study protocols and timelines.
Maintain relationships with medical providers and work with them to identify and recruit eligible patients for research studies.
Maintain current knowledge of HIV research through publications, conferences, seminars, forums, training, and other presentations.
Attend research meetings, trainings, forums, and relevant Fenway Community Health staff meetings; provide regular project updates to the Project Manager and Principal Investigator.
Coordinate and provide training to new study staff, track their progress, and update the Project Manager on readiness for independent work.
Assist with purchase requisitions and orders; development of research projects; and publication of study findings, including literature reviews, editing, writing, manuscripts, conference presentations, journal submissions, grant writing, and progress reports.
Maintain and assist with Data Team regulatory activities, including reviewing IRB documents for accuracy and completeness, assisting with IRB submissions and annual reviews, conducting regulatory file reviews, and performing quarterly quality control across projects.
Serve as a liaison for regulatory communications with the Fenway Institute Regulatory team and external research partnerships, and ensure Data Team members’ regulatory documents are current.
Maintain laboratory functioning with research clinical staff in accordance with state guidelines and study protocols.
Collect, study, process, catalogue, store, and deliver laboratory specimens according to study protocols; ensure timely receipt, calculation, and assessment of lab reports.
Maintain study and medical supplies in laboratory and exam rooms; analyze blood, including HIV-positive specimens; and assess laboratory findings for accuracy.
Enter biomedical test analyses and clinical results into computer databases; operate, calibrate, and maintain analytical equipment; and prepare biological samples for shipment according to IATA regulations.
Provide clinical and technical information about test results to research staff.
Meet agency participatory expectations; follow agency and departmental policies, confidentiality principles, and safety procedures; identify and address unsafe situations; and participate in quality improvement activities and required meetings and trainings.
Maintain professional competence and records of continuing education; serve on agency committees and in professional organizations when requested.
Coordinate and facilitate study-specific meetings, assist the Project Manager with scheduling across studies, prepare agendas and supporting documents, facilitate meetings, and prepare and distribute minutes.
Perform related duties as assigned.