Clinical Research Coordinator

Company: Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH)
Location: Boston
Posted on: November 23, 2020

Job Description:

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Liver Research Group in the Digestive Healthcare Center at the Massachusetts General Hospital seeks a highly motivated, self-directed individual for the position of Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC). The mission of the Liver Research Group is to translate discoveries into effective clinical interventions for patients with chronic liver disease. Specifically, we are looking for someone to assist with patient recruitment for a prospective cohort study of patients with cirrhosis, and to help with medical chart review to characterize patients eligible for a cohort study focused on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH). Our research studies combine clinical analyses with genetics, gene expression, metabolomics, stool microbiome profiling and single cell RNA sequencing, to study the underlying biological mechanisms of liver disease, and identify novel biomarkers for precision medicine.

The selected candidate will work independently to coordinate clinical research projects under the direct supervision of the principal investigator, and he or she will also have the support of an established and collaborative team of clinical research coordinators within the Liver Research Group. The candidate will be responsible for all study tasks related to patient recruitment, data and sample collection and specimen processing for their assigned clinical research studies. These tasks include: subject recruitment and enrollment, arranging follow-up study visits and phone calls, capturing clinical data, scheduling and performing blood draws, processing and aliquoting blood samples as well as collected stool samples for microbiome studies, and maintaining the study database with up- Thus, the candidate will be expected to interact directly with study participants, physicians, administrators and with regulatory personnel.

The candidate will work full time (40 hours/week), however the schedule will require flexibility and may include occasional evenings and Saturdays depending on time-management and patient schedules. The clinical trials and research studies are ongoing and will continue for approximately 2 years or more. This research environment is highly conducive to individuals interested in eventually pursing medical, graduate, or public health advanced degrees.

This position offers the opportunity to work directly with patients and physicians, and it will provide foundational skills in conducting clinical research in a large, academic medical center. It also will offer the candidate opportunities for research publications.

Primary Responsibilities

* Recruit and enroll eligible study participants from clinics throughout the hospital, and meet or exceed weekly and monthly targets for recruitment

* Perform medical record review in the electronic health record (EHR), to assess patient eligibility for studies

* Arrange and conduct initial interviews with study subjects and evaluate criteria for inclusion/exclusion based on interviews and on medical record data

* Take subject vital signs, draw blood samples and perform blood sample processing

* Process stool samples brought in or mailed by patients, for microbiome testing

* Perform biospecimen aliquoting, tracking and shipping

* Capture clinical information from record review and patient interview into study database

* Keep biospecimen electronic and physical inventories current and accessible

* Perform Institutional Review Board (IRB) submission process by preparing protocol applications, amendments, safety reports, adverse event reports and other documents

* Prepare, manage and maintain regulatory documents for audit by the IRB, as needed

* Prepare and manage regulatory documents for audit by industry partners, as needed

* Act as the primary study resource for laboratory staff, patients and families

* Update medical records and maintain study database on a regular basis

* Coordinate patient care by scheduling and arranging follow-up visits, conducting follow-up telephone calls, and communicating concerns with the primary investigator

* Conduct regular review of study progress and follow-up

* Attend weekly coordinator meetings, and prepare weekly reports of work performed



EDUCATION:

* Bachelor s degree required.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to manage time effectively.

Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team member.

Ability to maintain accurate records.

Ability to organize, analyze, summarize, and present patient data and results.

Experience in a clinical environment and using electronic health records is preferred.

Experience and proficiency in biospecimen (blood, stool, tissue, urine) handling is preferred, but not required.

Willingness to participate in biospecimen handling is required.

EXPERIENCE:

* New graduates with some relevant course/project work or those without any prior research experience will be considered for the Clinical Research Coordinator I position outlined above.

* Those with a minimum of 1-2 years of directly related work experience will be considered for a Clinical Research Coordinator II position.



SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable):

* A Clinical Research Coordinator I does not have any supervisory responsibility.

* A Clinical Research Coordinator II may assist with the training and orientation of new staff members.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position includes conducting subject visits within a medical office setting, and handling biological specimens following universal precautions for blood processing, handling and shipping.

Day shift



Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

Keywords: Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH), Boston , Clinical Research Coordinator, Healthcare , Boston, Massachusetts