Harm Reduction Research Assistant Specialist

Position: Harm Reduction Research Assistant Specialist, General Internal Medicine        

Location: Boston, MA

Schedule: 40 hours per week, On-site

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Harm Reduction Research Assistant Specialist (HRRAS) will assist in participant activities detailed in the study protocol to support a SafeSpot intervention study which aims to develop, implement, and evaluate an intervention to engage overdose survivors to use an overdose prevention hotline and reduce their unwitnessed substance use.  The HRRAS will support the multidisciplinary team recruiting and retaining study participants from multiple community-based organizations, collecting study data through a variety of methods (questionnaires, qualitative interviews, focus groups, proof of concept trials), and additional day-to-day study activities.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supporting coordination and the conduct of focus group sessions and qualitative interviews for intervention development, assist with content analysis

• Ensuring smooth and efficient running of the clinical trial as per good clinical practices (GCP) guidelines, and regulatory requirements, coordinating with the PI, research team, and clinic staff for completing research visits seamlessly.

• Recruiting and screening potential participants admitted to the hospital, from post overdose programs, harm reduction organizations, and street outreach and potential participants expressing interest through posted flyers, advertising, social media, and word of mouth, ensuring they meet study eligibility criteria.

• Distribute recruitment materials (posters, flyers, and cards) at community-based organizations and clinical sites.

• Obtaining informed consent from participants, explaining the study’s purpose, risks, and any potential benefits.

• Scheduling study participants for in-person, telephone and virtual appointments, accommodating participants’ technology resources and skills.

• Regularly contact participants to retain them for the duration of the study

• Monitoring participant safety and well-being, reporting any adverse events to the PI and sponsor in consultation with the research director. Collecting, documenting, and managing study data (study questionnaires and qualitative interviews) accurately and efficiently as per approved methods.

• Maintain and update study documentation (e.g. study trackers, logs, progress notes, etc.)

• Serving as a liaison between the research team, participants, and community organization  staff for efficient communication.

• Participates in staff meetings/initiatives including appropriate quality improvement and education activities, or if unable to attend non-mandatory activities, accepts responsibility to review meeting minutes and becomes knowledgeable of issues discussed.

• Perform administrative duties associated with the study’s Data Monitoring and Safety Board, tracking and reporting adverse events and collecting data specified by the DMSB.

(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

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED and a minimum of two years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of two years of relevant experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSAs):

• Knowledge of harm reduction principles, substance use disorders, or related work a plus

• Organization skills and strong attention to detail

• Strong time management and task prioritization skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams

• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality of all personal/health-sensitive information.

JOB BENEFITS:

• Competitive pay
• Tuition reimbursement and tuition remission programs
• Highly subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Career Advancement/Professional Development: Access a wealth of ongoing training and development opportunities that will not only enhance your skills but also expand your knowledge base especially for individuals pursuing careers in medicine or biomedical research.
• 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 [email protected] or call 617-638-8582 to let us know the nature of your request.

Compensation Range:

This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, skills, and certifications/licensures as they directly relate to position requirements; as well as business/organizational needs, internal equity, and market-competitiveness. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), discretionary annual bonuses and merit increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family well-being. 

NOTE: This range is based on Boston-area data, and is subject to modification based on geographic location.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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