Research Assistant I, DOM Infectious Diseases at Brigham & Women's Hospital(BWH) in Boston, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Over the past decade, emerging infections such as SARS-CoV-2, the rising incidence of multi-drug resistant bacteria, and the persistent global burden of infections such as tuberculosis have highlighted an enormous need for better tools to diagnose and understand the risk and pathogenesis of infectious pathogens. Advancing our understanding in each of these areas is critical to guide prevention, public health response, and effective treatment of these diseases to improve human health.


Working under the general supervision of the BWH Principal Investigator and in collaboration with colleagues at the Broad Institute, the RA will work within a team of the Clinical Research Unit of the Center for Integrated Solutions to Infectious Diseases (CISID). The RA will work in accordance with established hospital policies and procedures, assist in development and implementation of clinical research protocols, procedures, sample collection and sample processing to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases of highest importance.


PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


The exact roles and responsibilities will vary and may include the following:

Specimen processing: Blood processing responsibilities will include various protocols for separating PBMCs, plasma, DNA and serum using strict sterile technique. Processing of additional specimens including bronchial fluid, urine and other human tissue following study protocols.

Coordinates the transfer of specimens collected from hospital to collaborator labs using standard and study-specific procedures including processing of blood and other patient specimens in either BL2 or BL2+ lab space.

Assists investigator in implementation of clinical research activities including: Screens patients for inclusion and exclusion criteria, obtains informed consent of research subjects, performs specimen and data collection from study participants, performs participant study visits, and participant support and communication.

Assists Investigator in preparation of research activities. Performs literature searches, reviews literature, enters papers into reference database, compiles and checks reference lists for manuscripts, grants, and other written reports. Reviews and/or drafts text for reports, manuscripts, abstracts, grants. Assists in preparation of IRB and other applications.

Organizes and processes study data. Enters data and maintains databases/files containing study data using standard practices; compiles data for data analysis; reviews study records to determine whether specific tests, samples, or other data were collected according to protocol, enters such information into tables, edits such information from dataset copies using standard practices.

Drafts and/or modifies written procedures for study-specific events/data procedures. Acts as a liaison between Investigators to identify areas for quality and workflow improvements.

Follows Infection Control, Electrical Safety, Radiation Safety and other guidelines as mandated by BWH, OSHA, or other regulatory agencies; follows HIPPA and Human Research guidelines as mandated by DHHS. Follows all standard operating procedures for the Center for Clinical Investigation, and BWH; follows study-specific procedures.

Performs all other duties, as required

Qualifications

EDUCATION:


B.S or B.A. with strong science background. Prior experience with lab procedures, specimen processing and sterile technique preferred.


SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:


• Ability to work independently in a busy, research, academic, open office setting with other employees.


• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks.


• Careful attention to detail.


• Excellent interpersonal skills are required.


• Good oral and written communication skills.


• Working knowledge of computer programs, databases, etc.


• Ability to learn new skills and procedures quickly and perform them independently, and with precision.


• Ability to demonstrate professionalism and respect for subject rights and individual needs.


• Must be able to be HIPPA compliant at all times.



EEO Statement

BWH is an Affirmative Action Employer. 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. Apply Now