Clinical Research Coordinator

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

Clinical Research Coordinator I (CRC I) for Harvard Aging Brain Study (HABS) Phlebotomy - Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School. The CRC I will be responsible for providing phlebotomy and blood processing services for the Harvard Aging Brain Study, Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, and the Alzheimer Prevention Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The field of Alzheimer’s disease research is moving to develop blood-based biomarkers, and our research programs need a highly motivated CRC I to assist with blood collection and processing. The person who fills this role will collect and process blood samples for multiple observational studies across MGH, BWH, and community health centers.

In addition, this role requires assisting professional staff with regulatory compliance for multiple NIH-funded observational trials at MGH.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Phlebotomy:

• Collect blood (phlebotomy) from older adults for several research protocols across MGH and BWH.

• Process (centrifuge, aliquot, freeze, and ship) blood samples, in accordance with existing research protocols.

• Maintain accurate records and logs of all tests in-house or sent to outside lab per lab procedures.

• Distribute lab results to appropriate providers and data entry personnel as needed.

• Keep filing up to date.

• Order supplies as needed.

• Maintain quality control records.

• May be required to transport samples between MGH and BWH from time to time.

Regulatory:

• Schedule appointments and assure completion of visits.

• Assist in IRB submissions.

• Interact with regulatory personnel for multicenter trials.

• Manage scanner requests.

• Coordinate cognitive and imaging test scheduling.

• Recruit elderly participants (cognitively normal and impaired) for research studies by performing phone screens and attending off-site recruitment events.

• Review study details and obtain informed consent from potential subjects.

• Abstract information from medical records and enter into a computerized database to help determine subject eligibility, and maintain said database.

• Maintain research databases, including data entry, regular quality assurance checks, and preparation of specific data for analysis.

• Perform any other duties as requested by supervisor, including but not limited to:

a. Collection of vital signs

b. Performing anthropometric measurements

c. Collection of medical history and medications

d. Neuropsychological test administration

e. Assisting with study regulatory requirements

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to work well independently, prioritizing work according to and within established study protocols.

• Excellent organizational skills to accomplish a variety of responsibilities and to establish and maintain efficient systems.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to be able to interact with a variety of people in person and on the telephone. Must be able to relate well with subjects, physicians, technologists, and administrators.

• Ability to work under stress and within deadlines; the clinical research setting is a very busy and demanding environment.

• Experience with word processing software. Microsoft Excel experience helpful.

• English/Spanish bilingual desired, but not required.

• Sound judgment and problem-solving ability.

• Accuracy and attention to detail.

• Knowledge of medical terminology and familiarity with medical records systems.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or REGISTRATIONS (if applicable):

Phlebotomy and Basic Life Support certification strongly preferred, but not required.

Nursing Assistant certification or other academic preparation may be considered in lieu of certification.

EDUCATION:

B.A/B.S. with background in pre-med, psychology, neuroscience, or related field required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Previous relevant experience preferred, but not required.

• Phlebotomy and/or blood processing experience strongly preferred, but not required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Office and clinic environment

• Must be able to travel between hospital and research buildings carrying study documents and materials.

• Must be able to occasionally attend off-site recruitment events.