We are seeking a Research Assistant I to join the Andronesi Lab at the Athinoula A. Martinos Center in the Radiology Department at Massachusetts General Hospital to participate in the development and running of a clinical trial which consists of MRI.
The position primarily involves working in an MR laboratory. Flexible working hours are required due to the requirements of the study. Overnight scanning will be required.
This position will be half time at the Andronesi Lab and half time at the MGH Clinical Translational Research Unit Core (CTRU). The successful Research Assistant will be responsible for all aspects of clinical research/trial coordination for assigned clinical trials.
These research studies will involve intensive contact with research participants. Study activities will include recruitment and screening, administration of clinical rating scale assessments, complex coordination of cognitive testing measures, MRI neuroimaging, and biofluid collection. The incumbent will be responsible for data entry and handling, monitoring quality of data, managing regulatory documents and interactions with institutional review board, managing communications with study sponsors, generating reports and maintaining records related to the assigned research studies. The Research Assistant will also assist with the training and indirect supervision of co-ops, including other CTRU Core staff and CTRU Core users.
grace period of six months from their hire date (up to 1 year if starting per diem)to provide degree equivalency verification.
Does this position require Patient Care?
No
Essential Functions
-Perform laboratory experiments following established protocols and procedures.
-Prepare and handle samples, reagents, and solutions, ensuring accuracy and adherence to safety guidelines.
-Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, conducting routine calibration and troubleshooting as needed.
-Record experimental data accurately and maintain organized records of procedures, protocols, and results.
-Compile and analyze data using appropriate statistical and analytical methods.
-Assist in data interpretation and presentation, contributing to research findings and reports.
Education
High School Diploma or Equivalent required and Bachelor's Degree Biology preferred
Experience
Prior laboratory experience, either through academic coursework, internships, or employment 1-2 years preferred
Preferred:
- Experience with clinical research studies and FDA clinical trials
- Experience working with participants
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: For the Andronesi Lab
- Assist with the development of the MR protocol
- Write all MR protocol manuals, check lists and documents
- Assist with development and QA of EDC for this trial
- Run MR scanner during study visits
- Analyze MR data
For the CTRU:
- Execution of one to three clinical studies, including screening of patients, coordinating, scheduling, running clinical visits including assisting professional staff with coordinator-level patient treatment and clinical assessments in accordance with study guidelines [e.g. vital signs, phlebotomy, EKGs, etc], performing data entry and assisting with regulatory communication and sponsor relationship management;
- Corresponding with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for approval of protocol, notification of adverse events, continuation of study, annual reporting of studies and submission of amendments;
- Providing, creating and maintaining record keeping systems including data collection forms, consent forms, side effect sheets, drug accountability and medication logs, initialization forms, and case report forms (CRFs), patient files, regulatory binders and study databases;
- Performing data entry of information from CRFs into study databases and submitting CRFs to the study sponsor as required by the studies;
- Scheduling sponsor monitoring visits as requested and being available during monitoring visits to review CRFs and protocols with study monitor, as necessary;
- Responding to sponsor requests for additional information, clarifying material or missing information;
- Working cooperatively with study collaborators and/or sponsor to ensure that good clinical practices are being followed;
- Acquiring detailed knowledge of assigned studies so as to serve as the in-house expert for the assigned study and to triage calls from professional and support staff;
- Serving as a liaison to support staff, Financial Affairs, IRB, GCRC, Radiology, Pharmacy, Pathology, and sponsor-affiliated study monitors and interacting internally with other hospital departments as needed;
- Developing and maintaining recruitment/enrollment strategies for assigned studies;
- Ordering supplies, shipping and storing specimens, and setting up meetings;
- Performing data analysis and QA/QC data checks;
- Monitoring and evaluating lab and procedure and data alerting the study Investigator to abnormal results;
- Other job-related duties as required.
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: Skills required:
- Must be highly organized, attentive to detail, and have a strong motivation to learn.
- Able to organize and prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and work effectively both independently or collaboratively.
- Must be comfortable asking for help when needed.
- Efficient and effective communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to interact professionally with colleagues, external parties/agencies, and study participants in person, via e-mail and over phone/video platforms.
- Must be reliable and respectful of others.
- Prior understanding of basic laboratory practices and procedures required.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc).
- Familiarity with modern database and information system technologies.
- Ability and willingness to learn and acquire functional expertise with new systems, softwares and applications.
- Ability to work nights
- Must have an analytical mindset with problem-solving skills.
- Working knowledge of datamanagement and monitoring processes.
Additional skills preferred:
- MR analysis
- Proficient in coding (MATLAB, Python, R, etc)
Physical Requirements
- Standing Frequently (34-66%)
- Walking Frequently (34-66%)
- Sitting Occasionally (3-33%)
- Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device)
- Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs
- Pushing Occasionally (3-33%)
- Pulling Occasionally (3-33%)
- Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)
- Balancing Frequently (34-66%)
- Stooping Occasionally (3-33%)
- Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%)
- Crouching Occasionally (3-33%)
- Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)
- Reaching Frequently (34-66%)
- Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%)
- Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%)
- Feeling Constantly (67-100%)
- Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%)
- Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%)
- Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%)
- Talking Constantly (67-100%)
- Hearing Constantly (67-100%)
The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
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Massachusetts General Hospital
Jun 18, 2025