Undergraduate Co op Research Assistant BWH Sleep Medicine at Brigham & Women's Hospital(BWH) in Boston, Massachusetts

Job Description:

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT: Summarize the nature and level of work performed.


The Sleep and Chronobiology Clinical Research Co-op Technician assists in the execution of research protocols for the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders. This includes administration of polysomnograms, administration of computerized neurobehavioral tests, collection of multiple frequent biological specimens, monitoring data collection equipment, direct monitoring of study participants, and adherence to study protocols.


When not needed on the Intensive Physiological Monitoring unit, the Co-op will work in the offices of the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders to train in new skills, manage and assist with processing data, assist with study participant recruitment and screening, and assist with other duties as needed. When scheduling permits, the Co-op may attend Journal Club meetings or scientific presentations for 1-2 hours per week.



PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Indicate key areas of responsibility, major job duties, special projects and key objectives for this position. These items should be evaluated throughout the year and included in the written annual evaluation.


1. Carries out specialized experimental activities in studies executed at the BWH CCI, including, but not limited to, light exposure sessions, constant routines, maintenance of wakefulness tests,


multiple sleep latency tests, monitored wake.


• Performs polysomnographic testing: sleep/wake EEG recording, applies electrodes and other monitoring sensors, as directed; operates data collection equipment, monitors polysomnographic recordings. Able to operate and trouble-shoot computerized data collection systems, able to recognize good quality signals and trouble-shoot problem signals.


• Collects and processes biological specimens: certified by laboratory standardized testing to collect and prepare urine and saliva samples for later assay; assist with transport, sorting, and processing of blood samples.


• Administers and organizes neurobehavioral tests: Monitors computer-controlled administration of neurobehavioral tests; recovers computers after system failures with minimal supervision; administers written tests and questionnaires.


• Assists Project Leaders in preparation of paper documents, study suites, computer software and hardware for studies, and data collection/monitoring devices. Checks online data collection systems for quality control. Explains laboratory policies to subjects.


2. Assists in the execution of remote and survey studies, including posting recruitment advertisements for participants, scheduling automated survey invitations, monitoring subject compliance and survey completion.


3. Assists study team in recruitment and screening of potential participants in laboratory studies, including placing advertisements online and through the mail; posting flyers, sending information about studies to potential participants via email or mail; screening prospective participants for study participation through assessment of online screening survey responses or conducting phone screening questionnaires; scheduling screening visits.


4. Assists Project Leaders in preparing data exports and graphs; enters and validates data; carries out literature searches; prepares study instruments, equipment, and/or materials, or other tasks needed for study execution. Conducts inventory of supplies and equipment to maintain stocks of supplies.


5. Follows all standard operating procedures for the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, as well as the Center for Clinical Investigation. Follows Infection Control, Electrical Safety and other guidelines as mandated by OSHA, and follows Human Research guidelines as mandated by DHHS.


6. Acts as a liaison between Investigators, hospital staff, CCI technical staff, administrative staff, subject recruiters, and research subjects to identify areas for quality and workflow improvements.


7. Performs all other laboratory duties and projects as assigned.



WORKING CONDITIONS: Describe the conditions in which the work is performed.


Evenings, overnights, and weekend shifts will be required. Holidays may be required.


Busy clinical laboratory environment. Timing of study events is critical.


Occasional intense periods of work associated with scientific deadlines.


Potential exposure to blood-borne disease through contact with biological specimens.



SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: List the number of FTEs supervised.


None



FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Indicate financial "scope" information, i.e.: size of budget, volume, revnue, etc.


None



PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF JOB




Work Environment:




Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: (MUST be realistic, neither overstated nor understated, and related to the essential functions of the job.)


1. High school graduate with at least one year of college credits required


2. Current college undergraduate. Prefer individuals in science or patient-care majors and interested in scientific research.


3. Strongly prefer individuals with prior customer service experience.



SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: (MUST be realistic, neither overstated nor understated, and related to the essential functions of the job.)


1. Good interpersonal skills, able to maintain positive working relationships with co-workers and to work cooperatively with peers, able to perform his/her role in a team effort.


2. Good organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage time efficiently.


3. Must possess the ability to continually learn new technical skills and update existing skills.


4. Good communication and reasoning skills.


5. Able to function appropriately under time constraints. Initiative and sound judgment are displayed in unexpected situations.


6. Ability to follow directions and SOPs carefully, and once trained to work with a minimum of direct supervision.


7. Demonstrates professionalism and maturity.



EEO Statement

BWH is an Affirmative Action 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.