Research Assistant

Boston VA Research Institute, Inc. (BVARI); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston VA Research Institute, Inc. (BVARI) is seeking a Research Assistant to support the PREVENTABLE trial at the VA Boston site.

The role involves coordinating research activities, data collection, participant scheduling and consent, and conducting study visits and sample processing under supervision. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, or a related field, with 1–2 years of human subject research experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, neuroscience, psychology or related fields preferred.
• 1–2 years' experience in human subject research preferred.
• Willingness to commit to the position for a minimum of two years.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Should be organized and detail-oriented.
• Demonstrated experience in managing study projects.
• Must be able to prioritize appropriately.
• Committed to high-quality work.

Responsibilities

• Provides coordination and support to applied research and innovation projects.
• Works with the Investigator on grant-funded studies.
• Assists with outreach, adherence, and retention.
• Handles multiple projects within a fast-paced environment and is open to constant challenge and change.
• Documentation and maintenance of equipment to support research techniques.
• Recruit, schedule, and consent participants.
• Administer physical performance assessments and conduct in-person research study visits, including blood sample collection and processing.
• Executes protocols involving a variety of routine experiments.
• May, with supervision, work to develop new protocols and/or modifications of existing procedures and techniques.
• Performs general program support work such as the collection, compilation, research, and/or tracking of data and program information.
• Prepares appointment paperwork and makes reminder calls for study subjects.
• Performs medical literature searches and obtains relevant paperwork.
• Reviews and evaluates documents/reports and/or applications for omissions and inconsistencies, and ensures data is complete and accurate.
• Maintains file system of program -specific data to track suspense items, milestones, progress reports and funding accomplishments.
• Maintains study files, binders, and logs.
• Maintains recruitment database and data entry.
• Provides support for study staff training and certification.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Prioritization

Data management

Independent work

Detail-oriented

Commitment (2 years)

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology / neuroscience / psychology or related field

Job description

Research Assistant – PREVENTABLE Trial VA Boston Site

Boston VA Research Institute, Inc. (BVARI)

POSITION TYPE: Non-Exempt

Working under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator and Project Manager, the Research Assistant performs routine research working with patients and maintains records of this research, whether experimental or practical, for interpretation by senior research staff. The Research Assistant oversees the implementation of research studies, completes data collection forms and surveys, and provides oversight of the day-to-day operations of assigned projects, including the implementation of all research procedures and systems. The Research Assistant may have opportunities to participate in scholarly work, manuscript writing, and presentations.

REPORTS TO: Principal Investigator and Project Manager

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides coordination and support to applied research and innovation projects
• Works with the Investigator on grant-funded studies
• Assists with outreach, adherence, and retention
• Handles multiple projects within a fast-paced environment and is open to constant challenge and change
• Documentation and maintenance of equipment to support research techniques
• Recruit, schedule, and consent participants
• Administer physical performance assessments and conduct in-person research study visits, including blood sample collection and processing
• Executes protocols involving a variety of routine experiments.
• May, with supervision, work to develop new protocols and/or modifications of existing procedures and techniques

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs general program support work such as the collection, compilation, research, and/or tracking of data and program information
• Prepares appointment paperwork and makes reminder calls for study subjects
• Performs medical literature searches and obtains relevant paperwork
• Reviews and evaluates documents/reports and/or applications for omissions and inconsistencies, and ensures data is complete and accurate
• Maintains file system of program -specific data to track suspense items, milestones, progress reports and funding accomplishments
• Maintains study files, binders, and logs
• Maintains recruitment database and data entry
• Provides support for study staff training and certification

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in biology, neuroscience, psychology or other related fields preferred
• Academic interest in aging, frailty, and/or geriatric research preferred
• 1-2 years' experience in human subject research preferred
• Willingness to commit to the position for a minimum of two years
• Should be organized and detail-oriented
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Computer and database skills helpful
• Must be able to prioritize appropriately
• Demonstrated experience in managing study projects
• Should be enthusiastic and highly self-motivated, able to work alone without direct supervision
• Committed to high-quality work

The employee must be a resident of Massachusetts upon start date.

Please note we are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands; and reach with hands and arms.

This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Travel

No travel is expected for this position.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

An employee in this position must complete all appropriate background checks at the time of hire and periodic reappointment.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Boston VA Research Institute 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, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Pay Range

Minimum $50,000.00, Midpoint $54,000, Maximum $58,000.00

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.