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Research Assistant (CoRAL)

Point32Health
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Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute (HPHCI) is currently seeking a highly motivated individual to join the Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifespan (CoRAL) group within the Department of Population Medicine (DPM; www.populationmedicine.org) as a Research Assistant. The DPM is jointly sponsored by Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute. 

The Research Assistant will join Project Viva (https://www.projectviva.org/), a longitudinal research study exploring the effects of prenatal nutrition and lifestyle factors on pregnancy and childhood health outcomes. Now in its 25th year, Project Viva continues in-person and remote research visits with mothers who were originally enrolled during their pregnancy, and their children who are now young adults.

The Research Assistant will perform a variety of activities to support recruitment, data collection, and operations within Project Viva. This position requires excellent communication skills for close collaboration with investigators and project managers, both within HPHCI and with external institutions and collaborators. Project Viva is a longitudinal study of the effects of prenatal diet and lifestyle factors on pregnancy and childhood outcomes, based at the Department of Population Medicine (DPM).

The Research Assistant will recruit and conduct research visits with participants enrolled in Project Viva. The Research Assistant will also be responsible for scheduling study visits, administering consent forms, and performing data entry while following all research protocols and scripts. Evening and weekend hours and some local travel are required. Must have a valid driver’s license.

 

Key Responsibilities/Duties - What You Will Be Doing

  • Travel to research sites and participants’ homes for study visits. Obtain informed consent from study participants and carefully follow study protocols and scripts.
  • Collect biospecimen samples from research participants and safely transport the samples to the lab. Obtain clinical data including body measurements, DXA scans and blood pressure. Administer additional study assessments (e.g., actigraphy, cognition), questionnaires and interviews.
  • Complete all requirements necessary for compliance with MA state regulations for performing DXA scans (including successful completion of ISCD certification exam).
  • Communicate with research participants including but not limited to: scheduling, confirming and rescheduling appointments.
  • Operate research equipment per protocol.  Equipment includes, but is not limited to: computers, body composition/ measurement equipment, height boards, scales, blood pressure machines, activity monitors.
  • Complete all necessary paperwork and data documentation. This includes, but is not limited to: expense reports, data collection, and documentation of specimen delivery and participant incentives.
  • Ensure adequate stocking of supplies and report needs to supervisor.
  • Perform data entry.
  • Attend weekly team meetings.
  • Maintain a positive and accommodating relationship with study team and participants.
  • Other duties and projects as assigned. 

Qualifications - What You Need To Perform The Job

Education, Certification and Licensure

  • High School Diploma Equivalency

Experience (minimum years required):

  • 1- year related experience
  • Experienced with Microsoft Office, Word and Excel required.
  • General understanding of a research environment is preferred.

Skill Requirements

  • Excellent interpersonal and communicational skills.
  • Able to handle confidential and sensitive information discreetly.
  • Able to prioritize work, operate under tight deadlines, and meet deadlines.
  • Excellent organizational skills, accuracy and attention to detail. 
  • Ability to operate independently, with good judgment, and with flexibility.
  • Proof of Driver's License required (own vehicle not required)

Working Conditions and Additional Requirements:

  • Some weekend and evening hours required. Some out of state travel maybe required (within 3 hours)
  • Must be able to work under normal office conditions and work from home as required (this position will be hybrid with some regular days required in-office and others remote work).
  • Work may require simultaneous use of a telephone/headset and PC/keyboard and sitting for extended durations.