Clinical Research Data Analyst, LW, Hybrid

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Data Analyst (DA) will support research investigating early stage of cognitive decline with the goal to identify risk factors associated with early cognitive decline using real-world data and develop an early diagnostic model that facilitates early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The DA will independently and collaboratively perform data extraction and cleaning from various data repositories using SQL queries and python codes. Specific responsibilities include investigating data types and quality required to meet study aims from the Epic EHR, and data extraction and validation processes to inform information models and analytic outputs. The DA will independently and collaboratively perform data analysis and statistical analysis and will generate plots and visualizations of data. The DA will independently and collaboratively develop algorithms/tools to support research in applying data science and artificial intelligence techniques for cohort identification, risk factor analysis, predictive modeling, and clinical decision support, with the aim of improving patient care quality and safety.

The DA is expected to train our project coordinators, research assistants, and student trainees to do chart reviews, literature review, and to complete data cleaning processes needed for analysis. The DA will write data queries needed for proposals and prepare for NIH reports. The DA will lead the quality control checks of the analytical code that is used in research studies. The DA is expected to work within a multidisciplinary and multi-site research team. The DA will actively contribute to ongoing research projects and grant funding proposals, including scientific and administrative tasks. The DA will be encouraged to initiate, prepare, and submit publications under guidance from study investigators. A DA with a high level of professionalism and strong interpersonal skills is required to provide first line support for all study stakeholders' and participants' data and querying needs. The DA will need excellent attention to detail and critical thinking skills.

Principal duties may vary depending on the phases of projects (data collection, analysis, etc.). The DA will support all activities associated with the execution of research projects, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions and organizing communication with participants and project staff. The DA will use MS Excel, SQL, python to assist with data collection and preparation, and will become deeply knowledgeable about clinical systems and data repositories at Mass General Brigham Healthcare System, including Epic EHR and the Enterprise Data Warehouse. The DA will use scripting languages such as SQL and python for the development and implementation of algorithms/tools such as machine learning algorithms. The DA will support conducting and reporting of statistical analysis. The DA's responsibilities will also include administrative tasks and literature searches. The DA will contribute to manuscript writing and submission.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

For all positions that include direct patient care, indicate with an "X" the age(s) of all patient populations served

No Direct Patient Care

X

All age groups

Adolescence (13 to 17 years)

Neonates (birth to 1 month)

Young Adult (18 to 25 years)

Infant (1 month to1year)

Adult (26 to 54 years)

Early Childhood (12 months to 5 years)

Senior Adult (55 to 64 years)

Late Childhood (6 to 12 years)

Geriatric (65 years and up)

* Independently performs data abstraction using a variety of sources, including the EDW, patient medical records, hospital clinical information systems, and surveys.
* Responsible for database development/management: Based on previous experience able to design and construct databases (most typically using SQL) to store and organize data. Create, input data, query, and import/export; and (re-)structure databases, forms, and queries to meet the study team's needs.
* Review, validate, and analyze patient data: Establish data quality and validation processes. Perform QC/QA and develop system documentation.
* Summarize data using methods and programs such as SQL, MS Access, and MS Excel as appropriate and develop reports.
* Work closely with the research team to ensure accurate collecting and recording of data.
* Support PI with project management: Contribute to development and documentation of project plans, timelines, and progress reports. Provide oversight and management for day-to-day operations of the project. Act as a liaison for PI, collaborators, study site staff, and vendors.
* Collaborate with the research team to develop and refine ontologies for disease identification and tracking across hospitalizations.
* Support programmers/research team through product development and rollout: Includes report building and data validation, product testing, data imports/exports, collection/reporting of end-user feedback, and collaborating on solutions to found issues.
* Manage and support clinical staff from study site(s) to facilitate adoption of and improvement with new devices and procedures (e.g., design and implement quality improvement strategies). Ensure that issues at study sites or with equipment get fixed.
* Participate in meetings to review and discuss analytic methodologies and results.
* Participate in other aspects of research, including study design, qualitative/quantitative data analysis, etc. as relevant to the DA's skills and interests.
* Prepare and manage forms for obtaining approval from the IRB for study protocols.
* Assist with preparation for departmental and collaborative project meetings, interviews, and focus groups. May be called upon to present findings at and/or lead these meetings.
* Prepare dissemination materials: Talks, presentations, and manuscripts as well as materials for distribution, including MS PowerPoint slides, tables, and graphs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

* Bachelor's Degree and an interest in healthcare and the use of technology to support clinical care
* Computer science, biomedical informatics, or mathematics background
* Competency in programing languages such as python and SQL
* 3-5 years of related experience in a healthcare setting
* Experience with or understanding of clinical settings, development, implementation and support of clinical information systems.
* Experience working with human factors research, healthcare IT usability, and evaluation.
* Competency with MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access
* Competency with End Note preferred.
* Experience using scripting languages and statistical programming languages.

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

* Excellent interpersonal skills required for working with leadership and staff.
* Ability to demonstrate professionalism and respect.
* Good oral and written communication skills
* Organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
* Capability to work independently, complete work, and meet deadlines with only general supervision.
* Competency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access
* Competency with EndNote
* SQL skills and working knowledge of database structures
* Experience using scripting languages such as Python.
* Experience using statistical software such as R.
* Experience with or understanding of clinical settings, and development, implementation and support of clinical information systems.
* Experience working with human factors research, healthcare IT usability, and evaluation.