Clinical Research Assistant

knownwell; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K retirement plan

PTO

Parental leave

Job summary

knownwell is advancing obesity care with in-clinic and virtual services across MA. The Clinical Research Assistant will support visits, specimen collection, data entry, and assessments while ensuring participant safety and protocol compliance.

Join a growing, multi-site team that values hands-on clinical work, accurate documentation, and collaborative operations in a hybrid on-site role with travel between Needham and Woburn locations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; MA certificate preferred.
• GCP certification or willingness to obtain within 90 days.
• 1+ year clinical experience; phlebotomy, EKG, vital signs required.
• Excellent communication and ability to build rapport with diverse patients.
• Strong documentation and attention to detail in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact during on-site visits and guide procedures.
• Assist informed consent discussions and document patient understanding.
• Record vital signs, perform phlebotomy and EKG per protocol.
• Collect, process, and store samples; ensure cold-chain and logs.
• Support site initiation, monitoring visits, and training as needed.

Skills

Phlebotomy

EKG

Vital signs

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Multitasking

EHR systems

Independent & team

Education

High school diploma or GED

MA certification or equivalent

GCP certification (or willingness)

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

Meet knownwell, weight-inclusive healthcare for all. Join a dynamic company that is changing the way obesity care is delivered. We offer weight management, primary care, nutrition counseling, and health coaching. Our care model combines in-clinic and virtual care to bring support to patients where and when they need it.

Backed by $50M in funding—including a $25M round led by CVS Health Ventures with support from a16z Bio + Health, Flare Capital, MassMutual, and Intermountain Ventures—we’re scaling fast and expanding access to evidence-based obesity care nationwide.

The Clinical Research Assistant (CRA) plays a vital hands‑on role in the execution of clinical trials, serving as a key point of contact for study participants throughout their research journey. Working under the direction of the Clinical Research Coordinator and/or Clinical Research Manager, the CRA is primarily responsible for patient‑facing activities, including study visits, specimen collection and processing, data entry, and clinical assessments. This role ensures that participants receive high‑quality, consistent experience while supporting the accurate and compliant execution of study protocols.

Location

Multi‑Site, 15 Oak Street, Needham MA AND 7 Alfred Street, Woburn MA. The ability to travel to and between these clinics is mandatory.

On‑site Requirements

Hybrid, mostly on‑site.

Reports To

Head of Research

Job Type

Contracted, Full-time

What you’ll do:

Patient Interaction & Visit Support

• Serve as a primary point of contact for study participants during on‑site visits, providing a welcoming and professional experience.


• Guide participants through study visit procedures, answering questions and ensuring they feel informed and comfortable throughout the process.


• Assist in the informed consent process, ensuring participants understand study expectations, risks, and benefits prior to enrollment.


• Monitor and document participant well‑being during visits, escalating any safety concerns to the supervising Coordinator or Investigator promptly.


• Schedule and confirm participant appointments, send reminders and manage visit logistics to support timely enrollment and retention.

Clinical Assessments

• Perform and document vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, and weight.


• Conduct electrocardiograms (EKGs) per protocol, ensuring proper lead placement and tracing quality.


• Perform phlebotomy (blood draws) in accordance with study protocols and applicable safety standards.


• Administer and document other protocol‑specified assessments as trained and permitted by scope of practice.

Specimen Collection & Processing

• Collect, process, label, and store biological samples (blood, urine, etc.) per study protocol and applicable regulatory requirements.


• Ensure proper cold‑chain handling and timely shipment of samples to central labs or sponsors.


• Maintain specimen logs and chain‑of‑custody documentation accurately.


• Ensure proper disposal of biohazardous materials in compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.

Data Entry & Documentation

• Collect, process, label, and store biological samples (blood, urine, etc.) per study protocol and applicable regulatory requirements.


• Ensure proper cold‑chain handling and timely shipment of samples to central labs or sponsors.


• Maintain specimen logs and chain‑of‑custody documentation accurately.


• Ensure proper disposal of biohazardous materials in compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.

Site & Operational Support

• Assist in preparing exam rooms and ensuring all equipment and supplies are ready prior to study visits.


• Support the Coordinator with site initiation, monitoring visits, and closeout activities as directed.


• Maintain adequate inventory of study supplies and assist with the receipt and storage of study materials.


• Support study staff training on visit procedures as needed.

Who you are:

Education

• High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree in a health‑related field preferred.


• Medical Assistant (MA) certification, or equivalent clinical training/experience.


• GCP certification required (or willingness to obtain within 90 days of hire).

Experience

• 1+ years of experience as a Medical Assistant or in a clinical setting required.


• Prior clinical research experience is preferred but not required, training will be provided.


• Experience in performing phlebotomy, EKGs, and vital signs in a clinical environment required.

Skills

• Strong phlebotomy skills required.


• Proficiency in EKG administration and basic clinical assessments.


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build rapport with diverse patient populations.


• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.


• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast‑paced environment.


• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.


• Basic proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and/or data entry systems.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the clinical site for extended periods.


• Ability to lift and carry study materials (up to 30 lbs).


• Comfortable with routine exposure to biological samples and clinical environments.


• Occasional local travel may be required for site visits, training, or meetings.

Pay & Perks:

• On‑site Opportunity


• Medical, dental, and vision insurance


• 401K retirement plan with company match


• Up to 20 days of PTO per year + company holidays


• Up to 14 weeks of parental leave (12 for non‑birthing parents)

knownwell, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Based on current size of the clinic and HIPAA regulation, providers cannot receive care in clinic and provider’s household members cannot receive primary care in the clinic.