Nurse Practitioner, Research

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital seeks a dynamic, compassionate, and team-oriented Nurse Practitioner to join a recently established multidisciplinary clinical and research program in tick-borne disease. Our goal is to improve the care of patients affected Lyme disease and tick-borne co-infections through research. Our team, which includes specialists in infectious diseases, rheumatology, neurology, and clinical research, is currently conducting longitudinal studies of clinical outcomes in Lyme disease, developing new diagnostic assays for tick-borne pathogens, and building a biospecimen repository to support future research. In the coming years, we hope to test new therapies for patients with tick-borne disease in early phase clinical trials.

As a Clinical Research Nurse Practitioner, you will play a critical role in caring for patients with tick-borne disease and conducting clinical research studies. You will receive supportive mentorship from faculty and staff in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Department of Medicine with diverse interests and expertise.

Due to the seasonal nature of Lyme disease and the geographic spread of our participant recruitment, this position requires travel to various locations within and around Massachusetts. Comfort with performing procedures such as skin biopsy, after suitable training, is essential. Participant enrollment for future studies may also include individuals younger than 18 years old; therefore, experience with pediatric populations would be a plus. This is planned as a full-time, in-person position. There is an option for part-time or flexible hours, with a minimum of 0.6 FTE.

During the off-season, when Lyme disease recruitment is lower, there will be opportunities to provide clinical care in the MGH Multidisciplinary Lyme Disease Clinic and to facilitate clinical trials in other types of infectious diseases clinical trials within the Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Unit (ID CRU).

Our burgeoning team seeks individuals who embody a mission-driven ethos, display intellectual curiosity, exhibit meticulous attention to detail, are highly organized, and possess a deep enthusiasm for improving patient care through research. We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a diversity, equity, and inclusion culture. This commitment applies to staff members at all levels and the diverse patient populations we serve.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should apply via www.massgeneral.org/careers. Given the nature of the role, we request a minimum of a 2-year commitment.

When applying, please upload a cover letter and resume. Applications that do not include both components will NOT be considered.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following activities.

Clinical Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the care of patients with Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, under the supervision of physicians in the Division of Infectious Diseases and in collaboration with clinicians in the Division of Rheumatology and Department of Neurology.

• Perform skin biopsy of rashes associated with tick bites and other minor medical procedures in the clinical and research settings.

General duties:

• Work with programmatic leadership and research assistants alike to formulate and implement strategic approaches to ensure successful trial execution.

• Assist with the supervision of the research assistants, including:

o Provide daily oversight and direction,

o Meet weekly with each research assistant,

o Facilitate career development opportunities,

o Lead annual performance review process.

• Lead and inspire cross-functional project teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Effectively communicate project goals, expectations, and updates to internal and external stakeholders.

• Coordinate with key stakeholders, including investigators, vendors, and regulatory agencies.

• Ensure research integrity, including data documentation and data management, by developing best practices, providing ongoing training, and monitoring for adherence.

• Travel to study sites to assist with recruitment efforts, conduct study training and onboarding, and ongoing monitoring of regulatory and study operations at the site.

• Manage and participate in collaborative grant-writing projects.

Clinical Research Responsibilities:

• Contribute to developing project timelines, budgets, and deliverables in collaboration with cross-function teams.

• Proactively take steps to help others move forward, delegate project tasks among the project team, hold project-specific meetings, bring in additional resources as needed, etc.

• Implement and maintain rigorous quality control measures throughout the clinical trial lifecycle.

• Conduct regular regulatory reviews and audits to ensure Good Clinical Practice compliance with quality standards.

• Create and maintain REDCap databases including the design of data collection forms, extraction and uploading of datasets, and creation of reports.

• Provide regular updates to senior management on project status, progress, and potential risks.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

Job qualifications include the following:

• 2+ years of experience in an academic, clinical research, or related setting

• Current licensure as a certified nurse practitioner in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A family practice license is preferred.
• Bilingual is preferred.

DESIRED SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES:

Planning, Organizing, and Coordinating

• Skilled in identifying opportunities to improve the efficiency of research operations and subsequently execute improvements.

• Time management skills with the capability to prioritize among multiple requests from multiple individuals and the ability to change direction in response to a fluctuating work environment.

Team Management

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work successfully in a collaborative environment.

• Ability to manage diverse teams with different skillsets, work styles, and professional role

Gets Results/Takes Initiative

• High personal work standards and sense of urgency about results.

• Ability to anticipate the needs of the group in a fast-paced environment

• Problem-solving ability, including the ability to gather information, identify resources, and imagine alternative

• Demonstrates initiative and identifies key priorities, even in ambiguous situations with limited direction

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and within short time constraint

• Consistently demonstrates a positive, "can-do" attitude

Communication Skill

• Excellent written and verbal communication skill

• Ability to represent the Division with the utmost professionalism and ability to build strong relationships inside and outside the group

• Ability to clarify and distill complex issues to a variety of stakeholder

• Cognizant and respectful of cultural differences in communication approach

Clinical Skill

• Intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn

• Provide comprehensive care to patients in accordance with the highest standards of clinical and research practice
• Manage patient care plans and coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety and satisfaction
• Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn procedures including punch biopsy, lumbar puncture, and joint aspiration.

• Strong phlebotomy skills, including drawing off a line and conducting phlebotomy training for clinical research coordinators.

This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee within this position. The actual duties, responsibilities and qualifications may vary based on need.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Duties will be performed in a typical office environment, and occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Occasional travel to study research sites may be required. There is also the opportunity to travel to scientific meetings to present research.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

The candidate will be responsible for providing daily supervision, guidance, and expertise for Research Assistants.

EEO Statement

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

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