Research Assistant, Infectious Diseases

Position: Research Assistant, Infectious Diseases

Location: Boston, MA

Schedule: 40 hours per week

ABOUT BMC:

At Boston Medical Center (BMC), our diverse staff works together for one goal - to provide exceptional and equitable care to improve the health of the people of Boston. Our bold vision to transform health care is powered by our respect for our patients and our commitment to ensure everyone who comes through our doors has a positive experience.

You'll find a supportive work environment at BMC, with rich opportunities throughout your career for training, development, and growth and where you'll have the tools you need to take charge of your own practice environment.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Section of Infectious Diseases is recruiting for a research assistant to support the implementation of a research study designed to examine associations between clinical and immunological data from Boston Medical Center (BMC) patients to aid in tuberculosis (TB) vaccine development.

The research study will be run out of the Boston Medical Center TB clinic, a collaboration between the Pulmonary and Infectious Disease departments and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC). The BMC TB clinic is the largest TB clinic in Massachusetts and in the New England, seeing approximately 1,000 total patients (6,000 visits) annually, including an average of 40-60 patients with active TB disease.

The ideal candidate has experience working with vulnerable immigrant and refugee populations, including those with trauma history and complex social and socioeconomic needs. Preference will be given to bilingual candidates with connections to immigrant communities and lived experience as an immigrant to the United States. Note: This position is patient-facing.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research Study Implementation

• Conducts pre-screening, screening and enrollment of participants from BMC TB Clinic and hospital. Schedules study visits and provides reminder calls

• Once connected with prospective research participant, explains research procedures, obtains informed consent, administers interviews and surveys

• Assists with study procedures as needed (i.e. aiding in specimen collection) Coordinates specimen collection and specimen processing

• Performs data collection and data entry. Maintains clear, concise, accurate, and legible records.

OTHER

• May assist with preparing and maintaining regulatory records

• Provides other administrative tasks in support of the clinical research trials (i.e. answering phones, faxes, scanning, filing, photocopying)

• Maintains study supply inventory

The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree required by time of hire; knowledge of MA community services landscape preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Previous experience in clinical research is preferred.

• Bilingual, preferably in English and Haitian Creole or Spanish.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Basic knowledge of healthcare system and social service landscape

• Understanding of how language, culture and socioeconomic circumstances affect health; Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of social, racial and ethnic populations

• Familiarity with trauma-informed approaches

• Knowledge of resources available to immigrant and refugee populations

• Previous experience in prospective recruitment of subjects and familiarity with the ethical and technical conduct of research preferred.

• Excellent English communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (i.e. MS Word, Excel)

JOB BENEFITS:

• Competitive pay

• Tuition reimbursement and tuition remission programs

• Highly subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance options

• Career Advancement/Professional Development: Career development opportunities include participation in BMC ID research and academic initiatives, participation in hospital-wide educational offerings and providing teaching/trainings for hospital staff

• Pioneering Research: Engage in groundbreaking research projects that are driving the forefront of biomedical science.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

As the primary teaching hospital for Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and BU schools of public health and dentistry, intellectual rigor shapes our inquiries. Our research is led by a belief that skin color, zip code, and financial circumstances shouldn't dictate health.

Boston Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to Talentacquisition@bmc.org or call 617-638-8582 to let us know the nature of your request.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans