Research Assistant, Infectious Diseases

at  Boston Medical Center

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Research Assistant I will conduct follow-up visits for study participants enrolled in the long COVID study at Boston Medical collecting samples from acute and recovered COVID-19 patients. The RA will be responsible for scheduling study visits, consenting patients, conducting study procedures, collecting and reviewing data collection forms, and entering accurate data into a database in an efficient manner. Will assist with the preparation of IRB applications and reviews, data extraction from medical records, document maintenance and protocol adherence, perform clerical duties such as supply inventorying and ordering, and track study participant reimbursement. The Research Assistant will support any study procedures (e.g., phlebotomy, physical exams, etc.) in the General Clinical Research Unit (GCRU).

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Masters in related field (public health or other related science fields) preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Previous experience recruiting subjects with an understanding of the ethical and technical conduct of research preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Excellent oral (including English) and written communication skills.
• Bilingual or multi-lingual skills, especially Spanish, is desirable.
• Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of social, racial and ethnic populations.
• Proficiency with REDCap data entry and maintenance, as well as Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook), Adobe Acrobat/Reader, web browsers, and statistical software.
• Excellent organizational skills, including strong attention to detail and ability to manage time effectively.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts and maintains follow-up activities for subjects participating in post-acute sequalae of SARS-CoV2 (PASC)/long COVID study, following approved research methodologies.
• Schedules appointments of study participants in GCRU clinic space, following up with over-the-phone pre-visit questionnaires, email reminders, e-consents, etc. Finishes surveys and questionnaires with patients, tracking procedures that patients will do remotely and ensuring completion/accuracy.
• Reviews the data collection forms for each participant for completion and quality. Extracts clinical data related to study from medical records where appropriate. Performs data collection and entry into a REDCap database; maintains clear, concise, accurate and legible records and responds to data queries as needed.
• Performs clinical assistance, working closely with GCRU team, including but not limited to collection of NP/OP, blood, sputum, urine, and stool samples.
• Assists with preparation of sample collection kits for enrolled participants as necessary, including sample labels. Adheres with maintenance of deidentified patient data and sample collection as required.
• Maintains database of participant reimbursement for study participation (tracking and sending ClinCards, etc.).