Research Assistant R30771

at  Baystate Health

Category(s): Research, Research Support
Full Time / Part Time: Per Diem
Shift: First
Job Summary:
The Department of Healthcare Delivery and Population Sciences is looking to hire a Research Assistant to join our team and participate in NIH funded cutting edge research on post-hospitalization outcomes. The Ambulation trial (1R01AG073278) will test the value of regular ambulation in hospitalized patients among 3,000 patients at 6 hospitals. This per diem position will be responsible for working with patients directly in-hospital to determine study eligibility, walking patients, and working with other staff to complete study tasks.
This position will generate research data through completing study protocol activities. We are hiring one per diem research assistant to support the operations for this study, weekend hours required. This position is fully grant funded over the next three years. For more information about these trials, see reporter.NIH.gov and search using the grant number.

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Screen and recruit admitted patients that meet eligibility criteria on specific hospital units.
• Walk patients multiple times per day according to study ambulation protocols and best safety practices.
• Conduct or collect Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 6-Clicks, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and other assessments.
• Record study data onto case report forms and transcribe into electronic capture system (REDCap)
• Attend study team meetings to report study recruitment and activity progress.
• Work weekend hours to meet study timeline needs.
• Communicate with hospital unit staff to identify eligible patient’s needs and ensure patient wellbeing.
• Clean research ambulation equipment after patient use. Maintain order in visited clinical units and patient rooms.

Successful candidates will undergo training for ambulating and working throughout the hospital with patients closely to conduct screening tests and study assessments. Will be responsible for patient ambulation for the purposes of collecting research study data and reporting. No advanced certifications are needed for this position. Reports to the Clinical Research Coordinator; this position ambulates patients under their direction and supervision.

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE:

1) None

PREFERRED WORK EXPERIENCE:

1) 6-12 months experience as a Research Assistant OR
2) Academic courses focused on research methods
3) Prior customer service experience
4) Prior hospital experience and patient contact

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

1) Basic understanding of data collection and research principles preferred
2) CITI certification preferred

EDUCATION:

Associate of Arts, GED or HiSET (Required)

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position seeks a candidate with a willingness to take on new challenges and possessing excellent organizational skills. The Research Assistant will assist physician-investigators conducting research in a large academic medical center. CITI certification is preferred. Research experience and/or education related to health services research is strongly preferred.
1) Works under close supervision and in accordance with specified and detailed instructions.
2) Able to handle some non-routine situations, but Supervisor /Investigator available to handle most, and review progress of work
3) Performs variety of routine duties, tests, and procedures to assist investigators and other research staff in the collection, verification, and compilation of research information.
4) Contributes to and maintains study and patient files in a highly organized manner.
5) Secures study and patient files to ensure confidentiality. Collect data according to structured guidelines. Records & Organizes results. Reports unusual findings to supervisor.
6) Perform actual study tasks under supervision. Perform study tasks in accordance with BMC policies and federal and state regulations.

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Screen and recruit admitted patients that meet eligibility criteria on specific hospital units.
• Walk patients multiple times per day according to study ambulation protocols and best safety practices.
• Conduct or collect Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 6-Clicks, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and other assessments.
• Record study data onto case report forms and transcribe into electronic capture system (REDCap)
• Attend study team meetings to report study recruitment and activity progress.
• Work weekend hours to meet study timeline needs.
• Communicate with hospital unit staff to identify eligible patient’s needs and ensure patient wellbeing.
• Clean research ambulation equipment after patient use. Maintain order in visited clinical units and patient rooms