Clinical Research Assistant II

Site: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary
The Clinical Research Assistant II (CRA II), to be based in the Osher Center's Mind-Body-Movement Laboratory, will work directly with the Principal Investigator (PI) and Director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health to advance the Center by performing a variety of tasks. The Center is based in the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital. The CRA II will play an integral role in two ongoing projects in integrative health research:

Qualifications

• Acupoint Sensitization in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

This is a clinical and translational (C/T) study aimed at addressing knowledge gaps surrounding the biology and scientific basis of acupoints. Based on prior preclinical studies demonstrating cutaneous sensitization or neurogenic inflammation at specific acupoint locations in animal models of colitis, we aim to translate these findings in humans subjects by investigating cutaneous (acupoint) sensitization in IBD.

Specific to this project, the CRA II will assist with:

• Conducting laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and infrared thermography to measure cutaneous blood perfusion and temperature, respectively
• Performing pressure pain threshold (PPT) assessments
• Coordinating the collection and storage of biospecimens, including stool and blood samples
• Effect of Photobiomodulation (PBM) on Stress Physiology:

This is a sham-controlled, within-subjects clinical study aimed at evaluating whether or how PBM, a light-based therapy, affects heart rate variability (HRV) under acute stress.

Specific to this project, the CRA II will assist with:

• Setting up and conducting clinical evaluations, including the stress test, and the delivery of PBM or sham intervention
• Collecting HRV and other physiological data (e.g., electrodermal activity, blood pressure)

Additional Job Details (if Applicable)
GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with recruitment and enrollment of study participants.
• Administer phone screens and assess potential participants' eligibility for inclusion in the study via screening forms and checklists.
• Collect in-person informed consent and oversee enrollment process that follows.
• Interact with participants prior to enrollment and maintain communication/compliance throughout study life-cycle.
• Actively participate in data collection, including administering questionnaires and collecting biological samples and physiological data.
• Develop and pilot-test data collection forms and procedures (hardcopy and/or electronic databases, etc.)
• Directly respond to inquiries regarding study protocol and policy. Serve as liaison or point-person for the study.
• Communicate with the PI concerning appropriate issues during interaction with participants.
• Plan agendas and provide logistical support for meetings with study teams.
• Collaborate on manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, including co-authorship of papers.
• Participate in decisions made for the study and formulation of study-specific policies and procedures. Identify modifications needed and work to implement solutions.
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Skills/ Abilities/ Competencies Required

• Ability to work well in a team, as well as independently.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks, and set deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Careful attention to detail.
• Computer literacy and word processing skills.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism and respect for subjects rights and individual needs.
• Ability to manage and maintain accurate records across several ongoing projects.
• Comfort with technology and ability to learn new research tools and devices; all necessary training will be provided.

Hospital Wide Responsibilities
Works within legal, regulatory, accreditation and ethical practice standards relevant to the position and as established by BWH/Mass General Brigham (MGB); follows safe practices required for the position; complies with appropriate BWH and MGB policies and procedures; fulfills any training required by BWH and/or MGB, as appropriate; brings potential matters of non-compliance to the attention of the supervisor or other appropriate hospital staff.

Remote Type
Hybrid

Work Location
900 Commonwealth Avenue

Scheduled Weekly Hours
40

Employee Type
Regular

Work Shift
Day (United States of America)

Pay Range
$ $34.81/Hourly

Grade
6

At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth. We invite you to apply, and our Talent Acquisition team will provide an overview of your potential compensation and benefits package.

EEO Statement
The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran's Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at

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