Clinical Research Assistant I BWH Neurology

The Khurana laboratory at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School is seeking a highly motivated Clinical Research Assistant I to join our efforts in continuing a translational clinical trials program. This work supports our commitment in the Division of Movement Disorders for multidisciplinary collaboration to understand the biomarkers associated with neurodegeneration.

We study biomarkers associated with brain imaging (MRI, PET scans, etc), histopathology (skin biopsy), smell identification, cognitive testing, among others. This work seeks to fill a gap in the field of movement disorders (and neurology more generally): the lack of sufficient biomarkers to track disease progression and aid in early diagnosis of movement disorders.

We are looking for a hardworking, detail orientated, and focused candidate.

Good interpersonal skills are required. The ideal candidate will be interested to grow in a long-term biomedical career in medicine or clinical research. Most time will be dedicated to clinical research activities, but there will be ample exposure to both clinical evaluation and basic science related to multiple system atrophy (MSA), Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Wetlab procedures could include processing of patient samples for biobanking and culture of skin biopsyderived fibroblasts. There is an opportunity for a collaborative project with neuroradiology involving image processing. There will be a requirement to keep detailed logs of patient research visits and research activities and liaise with regulatory staff for small-scale clinical trials.

Interdisciplinary interactions will include physicians, scientists and allied health professionals. There will be opportunity to contribute to scientific publications arising from this work.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists research colleagues in the implementation, both internally and externally, of sponsored clinical research studies. • Initiates and maintains contact with study participants. Responsible for screening applicants, ensuring they meet appropriate criteria, and makes independent judgment as to the suitability of their participation.
  
  May be required to administer clinical tests such as smell tests, Montreal Cognitive Assessments, etc. There may be opportunities to take history of patients, write up reports for attendings' review, and shadow on a weekly basis. Page 2 of 3 • Working in concert with Principal Investigator and/or Research Manager, develops and implements patient recruitment strategies. • Develops, organizes, and/or maintains study databases, including a registry of patients tracked by the division. Responsible for data validation and quality control. • In conjunction with Research Manager/Principal Investigator, develops and implements new research protocols including design, data collection systems and institutional review board approval. • Recommends changes to research protocols. • Performs literature searches, as appropriate. • Assists PI or Research Manager with preparation for presentation and written published articles; there are opportunities to communicate research to colleagues. • Responsible for training and orienting new staff. • All other duties as assigned.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to work independently. • Excellent interpersonal skills are required for working with the study participants and patients in the division • Good oral and written communication skills. • Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical or research problems and issues and to interpret the acceptability of data results. • High degree of computer literacy and ability/willingness to learn basic website management skills. Coding skills highly desirable. • 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. • Knowledge of data management programs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science degree in a biological science, or equivalent (e.g., pre-medical postbaccalaureate coursework). • Prior experience in the clinic or clinical research is highly desired. • familiarity with research analysis • At least one year of work experience in a research setting. Sound independent judgment and competence in research methodologies. • Ability to commit to at least one year of work with a strong preference for two years.