Research Assistant

Job Description:

I. Job Description

The Marcus Institute for Aging Research is seeking a Research Assistant. In collaboration with others, the Research Assistant II will conduct research activities for the Health Aging Initiative (HAI), a longitudinal study investigating risks and protective factors related to health and disease in aging. The Research Assistant will also support sub-studies of the HAI investigating how older adults sleep, gait, and other subjective wellbeing factors are impacted by their home thermal environments, especially during the summertime months. These studies involve assessments of gait, lifestyle, medical history, cognition, anxiety, depression, vision, and hearing, along with additional variables collected through questionnaires administered via phone surveys and in-person assessments.

Roles within this position include communicating with a diverse population of older adults, data collection and management, conducting study assessments both over the phone and in-person, processing participant reports, and maintaining records for internal and external regulatory purposes. Must have a working knowledge of the conduct of research protocols and it is preferred to have knowledge specific to health and well-being in aging, gait and cognitive dysfunction, and other study related core concepts.

II. Core Competencies

• Results Orientation: Focuses on delivering superior performance by setting and achieving stretch goals.

• Customer Service Orientation: Takes personal responsibility for understanding the real and underlying needs of participants and anticipating and meeting their expectations to establish viable, long-term relationships.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Works effectively within a team, group, and across the organization, and accomplishes tasks and desired results while behaving constructively as opposed to separately and competitively.

III. Position Responsibilities

• In collaboration with others, carries out research/development activities on various projects. Role would include conducting informed consent with research participants, conducting participant screenings, scheduling sessions with research participants, administering questionnaires by phone and in-person, and conducting in-person assessments with older adult research participants across numerous HSL housing sites.

• Follows standardized research protocol for assessments of cognition, gait, grip strength, BMI, blood pressure, vision, and hearing.

• Effectively utilizes study technologies and provides training to older adult participants on study-related technology use. Sets up and deploys sensors for environmental measurements and wearable devices. Conducts at-home visits for technology support or sensor troubleshooting as needed.

• Assists with recruitment of research participants as needed.

• Must have a working knowledge of the conduct of research protocols.

• Must have familiarity with data collection and management. Experience with REDCap is preferred.

• Prepares reports for research participants on assessment results and notifies appropriate contacts of their participation in the study at the participants request.

• Assist with formal audits of data, updates procedures, and assists with Quality Assurance/Quality Control procedures.

• Maintains familiarity with current scientific literature and may assist with scientific research papers. May prepare abstracts for scientific meetings.

• Under supervision, prepares IRB correspondence and IRB reports, and files adverse event reports with the IRB according to established protocols when requested.

• Exercises discretion and independent judgment on significant research project matters by evaluating and comparing possible courses of action and making decisions or recommendations after considering the possibilities.

• Completes additional projects-related tasks as assigned.

The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. It does not, however, exclude other duties, which would be in conformity with the level of the position.

IV. Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in a scientific discipline such as biology, psychology, neuroscience, or similar field, including relevant clinical or academic research experience (2-3 years preferred).

Must have access to a car and be able to travel locally within the Greater Boston area for study related activities.

Previous work with older adults is strongly preferred.

General computer literacy required; experience with Windows, Word, and Excel. Experience with REDCap is helpful.

Must have excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, both in person and over the phone.

Shows careful attention to details and compliance, especially in handling participant data and regarding participant confidentiality.

Strong organizational and collaborative skills. Demonstrate creativity and initiative while maintaining discipline and sound judgment to manage high workloads and competing priorities. Exhibit flexibility regarding project demands, including adapting to changes in schedules, coverage gaps, new technologies, and unanticipated participant needs.

Must be self-motivated and comfortable balancing independent work and collaborative teamwork with other research staff members.

Must have a positive demeanor, good intuition, and sound judgment, with the ability to handle and flexibly adapt to difficult situations and changing priorities.

Candidates with proficiency in Russian, Spanish, Cantonese are encouraged to apply!

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