Research Assistant, Supportive Oncology

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to support innovative research studies in oncology. This full-time, hybrid role offers a unique opportunity to engage in groundbreaking behavioral treatment research, including mobile health apps and tele-health delivery. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in public health or social sciences, excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, and a passion for improving patient care. Join a diverse team dedicated to advancing cancer research and making a real impact in the lives of patients. This role is perfect for those looking to gain clinical research experience before pursuing graduate studies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, natural or social science preferred.
• 2 years of experience in public health or health policy strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in coordinating project-related activities and recruiting participants.
• Maintain databases and project documentation with accuracy.
• Conduct literature searches and assist with IRB documentation.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Computer Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health

Experience in Public Health or Health Policy

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Dana-Farber is seeking a highly motivated individual to provide support for several research studies within the Department of Supportive Oncology. Broadly, research projects focus on the development and testing of novel behavioral treatments (e.g., mobile health apps, tele-health delivery) for patients with cancer and chronic pain or who are at risk of substance use disorders. The position may involve support for other studies or projects related to the team’s other programs of research. Specific responsibilities include: participant screening and recruitment for studies funded by the National Cancer Institute; maintaining and updating patient specific data generated by the studies; maintaining and interfacing with mobile health intervention servers and data management; performing literature searches; and interfacing with the Institutional Review Board (IRB). This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking for clinical research experience before applying to graduate school in psychology (particularly clinical and counseling programs), the social sciences, public health, or medical school with a special interest in pain management, psychological interventions, and/or behavioral mobile health interventions.

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position. It is a hybrid position with an on-site location at Longwood Medical Center in Boston, MA. The selected candidate may only work remote days from a New England state (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI).

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Under general supervision, the Research Assistant may be responsible for some or all the following:

• Assist team in the coordination of project-related activities (i.e., surveys/interviews) at internal or external (on-site & off-site) study sites.
• Contact, recruit and enroll research participants.
• Assist with logistical needs for study activities, such as setting-up intervention components, arranging food service and conference room scheduling.
• Assist with coordination and preparation of project related meetings as requested and may be responsible for meeting minutes. Manage collaboration with vendors for project-related tasks.
• Maintain databases (including data entry) and project documentation with accuracy, as needed.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of all study materials and data.
• Coordinate pilot testing of study and surveys as needed.
• Conduct relevant literature searches and reviews as requested.
• Assist with documentation for and communication with institutional review board.
• Other project-related or administrative responsibilities as requested by management.
  
  

Responsibilities

In addition to the above responsibilities, this position will require the individual to work on an independent basis and may also be required to:

• Assist investigators with data analysis and manuscript preparation.
• Prepare study reports and develop protocols.
• Responsible for IRB submission activities.
• Collect research data (e.g., in-person questionnaires, web-based questionnaires, conduct qualitative interviews). Conduct medical record reviews for a variety of cancer types with a focus on tracking the trajectory of patient care and outcomes after a cancer diagnosis.
  
  

Patient Contact

Yes – dependent upon study population target.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, natural or social science preferred. 2 years of experience in public health or health policy strongly preferred.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required

• Excellent interpersonal skills, dependable, motivated and willingness to learn new tasks.
• Computer skills, including prior use of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to relate effectively in person and on the telephone to diverse groups of patients, community members, physicians, nurses, researchers, children and parents.
• Excellent organization, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work evenings and some weekends.
• Bilingual language skills may be required – dependent upon study population target.
  
  

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

EEOC Poster