Clinical Research Assistant – Newborn Research

Position Summary/ Department Summary

The Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Boston Children’s Hospital seek to hire a full-time Clinical Research Assistant responsible for executing all tasks associated with The Healthy Brain and Child Development Study (HBCD). The study aims to examine brain and behavioral development in children with and without substance exposure and other highly variable environments from pregnancy to 10 years of age. This nationwide, prospective, longitudinal study uses an innovative battery of neuroimaging measures (MRI, EEG), complemented by an extensive armamentarium of behavioral, physiological, and psychological tools as well as assessment of a range of biospecimens, to understand neurodevelopmental trajectories. This project is part of NIH’s Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) initiative. Ability to work after daytime hours as needed and be available for weekend study sessions. Must be willing to travel throughout the greater Boston area.

This role is looking for a preferred two year time commitment. Spanish fluency is highly preferred for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Consent and recruit pregnant persons and children for research studies through interviews and written communications. Provide detailed background information regarding studies to families, communicate all policies and procedures, and respond to all inquiries. Evaluate suitability of prospective study candidates and make selections based upon study requirements.
• Execute study visits remotely, in the lab, and in the home, including conducting and helping with behavioral testing, MRI scans, biological sample collection and handling, and EEG and biosensor data collection.
• Serve as liaison to participating families, guiding and advising them throughout each phase of the study. Coordinate follow-up visits. Act as a resource to study participants, addressing any concerns they may have. Troubleshoot resolution of any issues that may arise throughout the study.
• Participate in preparing necessary documentation for Institutional Review Board (IRB) and NIH, together with the Principal Investigators (PIs), as needed.
• Create and prepare data collection statistical reports and analytical summaries for distribution to study teams for review and analysis as needed. Prepare/update documentation for ensuring study quality (e.g., procedural manuals) and dissemination of findings. Conduct background literature reviews as requested by the PIs.
• Participate in the training of newly hired study staff as needed.
• Coordinate activities between the hospital and participating collaborators. Regularly travel to the institutions involved in the project (e.g., MGH, BWH) and communicate project policies and procedures to personnel. Monitor and review data collection and entry and informed consent procedures, ensuring consistency of application.
• Assist PIs in planning and implementing the study and perform other miscellaneous administrative duties as assigned/required.
  
  

Education

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required.
  
  

Experience:

• Sensitivity in working with families from various backgrounds and with varied experiences.
• Proficiency in using database software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Prior research experience.
• Experience working with children.
• Spanish fluency is highly preferred.
  
  

The posted pay range is Boston Children’s reasonable and good-faith expectation for this pay at the time of posting.

Any base pay offer provided depends on skills, experience, education, certifications, and a variety of other job-related factors. Base pay is one part of a comprehensive benefits package that includes flexible schedules, affordable health, vision and dental insurance, child care and student loan subsidies, generous levels of time off, 403(b) Retirement Savings plan, Pension, Tuition and certain License and Certification Reimbursement, cell phone plan discounts and discounted rates on T-passes. Experience the benefits of passion and teamwork.