Research Assistant I Anesthesia Pain Management Center

GENERAL SUMMARY:

This individual will be a research assistant (RA) to conduct clinical trials in the Department of Anesthesiology including a study to assess the clinical utility of digital technology on managing low back pain, a Phase 2/3 clinical trial on the efficacy of PPS, a Phase 2 clinical trial on the efficacy of TU-100, and other possible future studies at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Faulkner Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute sites, and other local sites as these should come on line.

The RA will work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator responsible for all activities of the research protocol. The RA will be responsible for following established policies and procedures and providing assistance in executing on a daily basis the procedural and policy decisions made for the study. The individual will be responsible for conducting work related to the project at the BWH, MGH, DFCI, Faulkner, and other local sites, and will be coordinating data management with the sponsors of these studies and their agents. This will include the following tasks: he/she will assist the Senior Project Manager, the PI and co-investigators in contacting and screening patients, recruitment, obtaining consent, interviewing the patients and entering information into study database, collecting and organizing patient data, being present and engaged in study procedures with subjects during their hospitalization, scheduling patients for study visits, performing clinical tests such as phlebotomy, obtaining blood, urine, and saliva specimen, physical examination and neurological assessment, conducting EKGs, processing blood samples using a centrifuge, administering questionnaires, and maintaining and updating data generated by the study. The RA will assist with the IRB applications process and follow all regulations as specified by the IRB in conducting the study.

The balance of the position will involve project coordination, communication with referral sources, interaction with study participants and will involve liaison activities with outside hospital, sponsor, and other organizations.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree (BS or BA).
• Graduated with relevant course or project work.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Excellent interpersonal skills are required for working with the study participants.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of clinical research protocols.
• Knowledge of computer programs, databases, etc.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks.
• Careful attention to detail.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism and respect for subjects rights and individual needs.
• Ability to work in a respectful and professional manner with project leadership and other research staff.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Research Assistant will work primarily based in a research office setting at the Pain Management Center, 850 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill. Study coordination will involve travel and participation in study activities that may occur at BWH, MGH, DFCI, Faulkner and other local sites. Under most circumstances, the Research Assistant will conduct and perform study-related functions in person and using electronic computer-based connection.

The RA will be required to conduct his/her study-related responsibilities at the main campus of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, DFCI, and Faulkner Hospital, and also possibly at outpatient offices related to those sites. He/she must provide for his/her own transportation to these facilities.

Since clinical research may involve ongoing monitoring and follow up of subjects in the inpatient and outpatient settings over a 24-hour period or longer, the position requires schedule flexibility. The RA will, from time to time, be required to conduct on-site study-related activities, engage in communication, and prepare reports during evenings, nights, and weekends.

The duties of the RA are not expected to consist of any special patient-related physical requirements, such as lifting or bending.