Senior Clinical Research Assistant

GENERAL SUMMARY: Working independently under the Director of the Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, coordinates all activities of research area including but not limited to: supervising the daily activities of research assistants and support staff, implementing, and maintaining quality assurance procedures, performing statistical analyses, designing research protocols, collects and analyzes data and assists with the preparation of research papers and reports. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Directly supervises the activities of Northeastern Co-Op students, per diem assistants and student visitors working in the BPRL, including contributing to the hiring, firing, performance evaluations and disciplining efforts. In collaboration with the Director of the BPRL, develops, implements, and maintains an orientation and training program for all staff to include standard clinical procedures (e.g., ECG, phlebotomy), biohazard safety, and clinical assessments (e.g., SCID, ASI). Coordinates all research study activities involving magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy (MRI/MRS) for the laboratory. Function as a resource for all issues concerning physiological recordings and behavioral task stimulus presentations (with Presentation software) in the scanner. Identifies program problems and develops solutions for data collection. Designs, implements, and evaluates recruitment strategies for study participants to include flyer announcements, print media procedures, and electronic sources. Interacts with research volunteer participants with regard to all BPRL and MIC-related studies, including subject/patient education, counseling, procedural instruction, and follow-up. Also serves as a liaison between research participants and the study physician. Performs all clinical tests, ECGs, and blood sampling (phlebotomy) during screening visits as well as for research studies. Responsible for overseeing the data collection and recording processes of ongoing experiments. Ensures confidentiality and privacy of research volunteers' protected health information. Implements and maintains quality assurance procedures for biohazardous materials in the BPRL laboratories and exam room. Completes source documentation and maintains FDA, DEA and NIH regulatory binders for clinical trials. Organizes and maintains study databases; responsible for data validation and quality control. Sets up the databases in preparation for statistical analyses to be performed on fMRI and MRS data using MR data analysis software. In collaboration with multiple Principal Investigators, develops and implements new research protocols, including design, data collection systems and IRB approval. Communicates with the IRB with respect to submitting applications for new projects as well as the continuing reviews of ongoing projects. In collaboration with Principal Investigator, prepares and presents certain portions of presentations at scientific forums (e.g., McLean Research Day, Harvard Medical School Mysell Research Day), in addition to preparing articles for publication by contributing to writing elements of Introduction, Methods, Results or Discussion sections. Performs literature searches, as needed. Maintains supplies, orders, and maintains stock items. Performs all other duties as assigned. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsible for directly supervising Clinical Research Assistants I and II, volunteers, Co-Op students and per diem staff in the lab. Trains and orients staff, in addition to hiring, firing, evaluating, and disciplining. Coordinates staffing and scheduling for BPRL research protocols. B.S. or B.A. required; Masters' degree is desired. 3-5 years of related and/or progressively more responsible experience. Supervisory experience preferred. SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: Understanding of research ethics and maintaining privacy and confidentiality. Ability to demonstrate professionalism and respect for subjects' rights and individual needs. Must possess the ability to work independently and display initiative to introduce innovations to research study. Must have sound interpersonal skills and the ability to supervise others. Must possess strong analytical skills and conceptual thinking. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be detail oriented and able to perform accuracy checks on data. Ability to prioritize tasks and both set and meet deadlines. Ability to independently identify problems and develop solutions. High degree of computer literacy (primarily Macintosh, but also PC based systems are in use in the lab). Primary programs are Microsoft Word and Excel, but experience with statistical software is desirable; training will be offered. Ability to demonstrate professionalism and respect for subjects' rights and individual needs. Must either possess the skill set or willing to learn how to perform phlebotomy.