Senior Research Assistant, Data Studies

Description

Reporting to the Project Manager, the Senior Research Assistant works with other staff in supporting the implementation and conduct of studies and projects in the department, in collaboration with the Health Center and with co-investigators outside of Fenway Health. 

Performs research interviews, surveys, and study visits as specified by the study-specific protocol 

• Contacts potential study participants, describes study requirements, obtains informed consent and conducts behavioral interviews in a clear, open-minded, non-judgmental context 
• Administers participant surveys according to protocol 
• Maintains established guidelines of confidentiality and ethical accountability in all discourse with all study participants 
• Assists in study design protocol according to funders’ guidelines and federal HIPAA requirements. 
• Communicates lab results and other pertinent information to primary care providers, as requested by participants, within the guidelines of informed consent and department policy 
• Coordinates and conducts qualitative behavioral interviews and focus groups with study participants in a clear, open-minded, non-judgmental context 

Design and implements effective data management systems as specified by protocol objectives 

• Supervises quality of all written and computerized statistical data 
• Generates regular descriptive statistics, future projections regarding follow-up, retention and compliance and other data analysis as requested 
• Maintains strictly confidential records on interested candidates and study participants 
• Maintains complete and current demographic information on research clients 
• Promotes open communication and discussion among co-workers regarding changes in protocol procedure and other information pertinent to department and study goals and objectives 
• Develops standard operating procedures as determined by study protocol and lab safety regulations 
• Coordinate site visits with study monitors, be available to site monitors during such visits and organize the response to site visit reports. 
• Maintains contact, as needed, with other agencies involved in the implementation of study, such as labs, data centers and contractors. 
• Assists with data entry and quality checking process; problem-shoots inconsistencies with data and data collection; design systems and structures for file management 
• Coordinates with funders and other project staff to ensure project data collection is progressing according to study protocol and timelines. 

Utilizes written and verbal communication to contribute to the effective functioning of the research department 

• Maintains relationships with the medical providers and works with them to identify and recruit eligible patients for research studies 
• Maintains current knowledge of HIV research by reading medical journals, articles and other HIV-related publications, attending conferences, seminars, forums, trainings and other available presentations 
• Conducts and assists in protocol development and revision and questionnaire/interview format revision 
• Attends all regularly scheduled research meetings, trainings, forums and pertinent Fenway Community Health staff meetings 
• Ensures that initiatives are regularly communicated to the Project Manager and PI via regular updates/emails on status of projects 
• Communicates regularly with Principal Investigator and Project Manager about implementation of study protocols. 

Senior-Level Responsibilities

• Coordinates and provides training to new study staff ; Track progress and regularly update Project Manager on new staff preparedness for independent work 
• Assists with procurements of purchase requisitions and orders 
• Assists in the development of research projects and publication of study findings
• Assists with the publication of research findings through literature reviews, editing, writing, and preparation of manuscripts and conference presentations. Assists with the submission of manuscripts to scientific journals. 
• Assists with grant writing and study progress reports, as needed 
• Maintains and assists with all regulatory related activities for the Data Team 
• Review all IRB regulatory documents prior to submission for accuracy and completeness 
• Assists with all IRB submissions regarding protocol changes and annual reviews; and submits to IRB with the approval/assistance of the site PI/research scientist.  
• Conduct regular regulatory file reviews across studies 
• Performs QC quarterly across all projects 
• Serve as a liaison for all regulatory-related communications with the Fenway Institute Regulatory team and external research partnerships 
• Ensure Data Team members’ regulatory documents are up to date (e.g., CVs, trainings, etc.) 

Maintains, in collaboration with research clinical staff, the functioning of the lab, following state guidelines and study protocols 

• Collects and studies blood samples from study participants to determine the number and viability of cells 
• Processes, catalogues, stores and delivers laboratory specimens according to study protocols 
• Ensures the timely receipt, calculation and assessment of all lab reports 
• Maintains ample study and medical supplies in lab and exam rooms 
• Conducts analysis of blood, including HIV+ specimens 
• Analyzes laboratory findings to check accuracy of the results 
• Enters data from analysis of biomedical tests and clinical results into computer database 
• Operates, calibrates and maintains equipment used in quantitative and qualitative analysis, such as cellometer, lab safety cabinet, and liquid nitrogen tank 
• Prepares biological samples for shipment according to IATA regulations 
• Provides clinical and technical information about test results to research staff 

Meet agency participatory expectations 

• Adheres to all agency and departmental policies and procedures 
• Participates in quality assessment and improvement activities as requested 
• Adheres to the highest principles of patient and client confidentiality 
• Adheres to established safety policies, procedures and precautions; identifies potential or actual unsafe situations in the environment and takes measures to rectify the situation 
• Attends all required meetings, in-services and professional trainings 
• Maintains professional competence necessary to perform job responsibilities 
• Maintains and provides agency with records of continuing education activities 
• Serves on agency committees and in professional organizations when requested 
• Coordinates and facilitates study-specific meetings and assists Project Manager with scheduling of meetings across studies 
• Coordinates scheduling of study-related meetings, ensuring clear communication with stakeholders 
• Prepares agendas and supporting documents, facilitates meetings, and prepares and disseminates meeting minutes   

Supervisory Responsibility 

None 

Perform related duties as assigned 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required 
• 2 years of experience working as a Research Assistant
• Experience with research concepts and techniques required, including qualitative interviewing and basic quantitative analytical skills 
• Ability to function autonomously in a collaborative interdisciplinary team involving research, medical and behavioral health care 
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills 
• Demonstrated strong administrative skills and a strong attention to detail 
• Strong computer skills and familiarity with data entry, management, and analysis 
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. This includes engaging constructively with colleagues, patients, clients, and vendors in a manner that reflects professionalism, empathy, and cultural awareness, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristics as defined by applicable law.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Physical Requirements: 

Ability to meet the following physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodations: 

• Sit at a computer station for extended periods of time 
• Ability to keyboard for extended periods of time 
• Conduct in-person physical assessments with research participants 

This is a union position in a Fenway Health bargaining unit represented by 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.