Research Assistant II, The Center for Surgery and Public Health

Location: Somerville-MA

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 Research Assistant II will support two concurrent, patient-centered research studies. This role involves participant recruitment, consent, and active engagement in technology-enabled interventions designed to improve surgical care delivery and outcomes. Effort will be divided across both projects.

The first study seeks to reduce attrition in lung cancer screening programs by piloting a novel patient-centered intervention. Participants record personalized video reminders during their initial visit which are later delivered to encourage follow-up screening. Responsibilities include identifying and approaching eligible patients, facilitating consent, assisting with video recording, and supporting participant engagement and follow-up tracking.

The second study seeks to address recovery challenges for patients undergoing colorectal surgery through a web-based intervention. The RA will administer and track patient assessments, conduct follow-up communications, and assist with digital educational content.

The Research Assistant may contribute to additional studies or initiatives as they develop, supporting the broader research mission of the team.

Qualifications

Established in 2005 as a joint initiative of Harvard Medical School (HMS) and the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), The Center for Surgery and Public Health (CSPH) has been at the forefront of public health research of surgical care delivery within and throughout our nation’s healthcare system. Utilizing innovative research methodologies grounded in clinical reality, we have developed surgical safety checklists, created a national agenda for surgical disparities research, and launched the pioneering work of rising stars in surgical health services research. We are advancing the science of surgical care delivery by studying effectiveness, quality, equity, and value at the population level and training the most gifted of a new generation of physician-scientists. Together our efforts are making surgery safer, more patient-centered and more accessible in the U.S. and around the world.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Research Assistant II will support two research divisions within Mass General Brigham (MGB). This role involves participating in qualitative and quantitative research activities, maintaining study data and regulatory documentation, and ensuring that project milestones and deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule. For this hybrid role, the candidate must be available to work in-person multiple days per week at clinical and non-clinical sites in Boston.

50% effort will support a variety of new and ongoing projects for the Patient-Reported Outcomes, Value, and Experience (PROVE) Center. Responsibilities will include recruiting and evaluating subjects for studies; collecting and organizing patient data; educating patients about patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs); administering PROMs to patients in a clinical setting; scheduling subjects for study visits; and maintaining and updating data generated by the study.

50% effort will support research projects within the Division of Thoracic Surgery. Responsibilities will include screening and consenting patients; collecting and shipping specimens; and frequent data entry into specialized programs including REDCap, OnCore, and EPIC. The Research Assistant II will be responsible for ensuring adherence to strict Internal Revenue Board (IRB) human subjects research regulations.

The Research Assistant may contribute to additional studies or initiatives as they develop, supporting the broader research mission of the team.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conduct research studies as per study guidelines and protocols.

Recruit, screen, and consent study participants across clinical settings.

Conduct patient interviews (in-person or by telephone).

Collect and ship biological samples from study participants.

Serve as a primary point of contact for participants, maintaining regular communication via phone, email, and in-person interactions.

Collect, manage, and maintain accurate and confidential research data and participant records.

Coordinate logistics and materials required for study execution.

Collaborate with study teams across multiple sites.

Maintain accurate, organized, and confidential study files and records in accordance with applicable policies, regulations, and ethical research standards.

All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree required. Minimum of 2 years of research or clinical experience preferred; strong candidates with less experience may be considered. Experience supporting human subjects research, recruiting and consenting patients, and knowledge of data management programs (such as REDCap) preferred.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required for working with the study participants.

Good oral and written communication skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook) and comfort with digital research tools.

Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities across concurrent studies.

Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to data quality.

Professionalism and respect for patient needs, confidentiality, and ethical research conduct.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Remote Type

Hybrid

Work Location

399 Revolution Drive

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