The primary goals of the Research Assistant (RA) will be to work with a multi-disciplinary team to learn cutting-edge research in neurology and network science. The RA will provide assistance on federally funded clinical studies which aim to investigate the relationships between patient's social networks and their neurological outcomes. The RA will also have the opportunity to execute his or her own project under the mentorship of the Principal Investigator.

Primary responsibilities will include recruiting and interviewing subjects, writing IRB materials, managing budgets and grant submissions, engaging with patients, supervising undergraduate research trainees, and conducting preliminary social network analysis. This position will provide the Research Assistant the opportunity to gain patient-contact experience, managerial skills, exposure to neurology, and data analysis skills that could lead to academic presentations.

This job is well suited for individuals interested in social networks, neurology, or a career in research or medicine. A background in computer science, statistics, and social science are beneficial. Interested applicants can learn more about the research team and its work by visiting www.dhandlab.com.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provides assistance on clinical research studies as per study guidelines and protocols.
2. Recruits and evaluates potential study patients. Per protocol instruction, conducts telephone interviews or schedules patient for study visit and screening. May be required to perform clinical tests such as bedside neurocognitive assessments.
3. Interact with patients/subjects with regard to study, including patient education, procedural instruction, follow-up. May serve as a liaison between patient and physician.
4. Responsible for collecting data and maintaining patient information database for study. May be required to input data, do minimum analysis and run various reports. Maintains patients records as part of record keeping function.
5. Responsible for mailing various study information or packets to study participants.
6. Answers any phone calls and inquiries regarding study protocol. Refers participants when appropriate to supervisor or clinical staff.
7. Writes and maintains study related documents, such as protocols and grant submissions.
8. Codes and completes analyses related to project in the R environment and other software platforms.
9. Monitors and sets up any needed equipment.
10. Maintains inventory and orders supplies when necessary.
11. All other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

BS or BA
New graduate with relevant course or project work

SKILLS:
1. Excellent interpersonal skills are required for working with the study participants.
2. Good oral and written communication skills.
3. Knowledge of clinical research protocols.
4. Knowledge of computer programs, databases, etc.
5. Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks.
6. Careful attention to detail.
7. Ability to demonstrate professionalism and respect for subjects rights and individual needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The candidate will be hired through Brigham and Women's Hospital, but initially spend over 80% of their time in a laboratory research environment at Boston Children's Hospital in the Division of Genetics and Genomics. The remainder of their time will be spent at Brigham and Women's Hospital, predominantly in the clinical research setting.