GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. The successful candidate will gain interdisciplinary research experience through assisting with the conduct and management of the Genome, Environment, Microbiome and Metabolome in Autism (GEMMA) Study. This prospective, multi-center, longitudinal research project aims to understand the genetic, environmental and microbial factors that may play an important role in the development of autism, in hopes of identifying targets for future interventions.

Further, the candidate will work on other ASD related projects, including recruiting eligible patients in the endoscopy unit for collection of blood and intestinal biopsies.

The candidate will coordinate and monitor the collection of study-specific clinical data and specimens including blood, stool, urine and saliva samples. Major responsibilities of note include the identification, recruitment, and enrollment of study subjects, management of IRB documentation of the approved research project, conduct of study follow-up visits, implementing autism assessments, data storage and management. Additionally, the candidate will assist a psychologist in the administration of ASD related assessments, including scoring of these assessments.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

In addition to the duties of a CRA:

• Conducts basic laboratory tasks including sample aliquoting, organization, and storage
• Updates study forms per protocol
• Prepares/organizes data for analysis
• Monitors electronic data collection procedures including checking data for timely collection (according to the study schedule) and completeness
• Assists with formal audits of data
• Documents patient visits and procedures
• Prepares materials for patient visits including stool, urine, saliva, and blood sample collection kits
• Conducts research-specific visits with subjects
• Assists with regulatory binders and QA/QC procedures
• Provides basic explanation of study and obtains informed consent from subjects
• Assists with study regulatory (IRB) submissions
• Assists external study sites with study management according to the Manual of Operations and Standard Operating Procedures
• Implementing Autism Developmental Assessments

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Careful attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to complete work independently, multi-tasking and balancing deadlines when appropriate
• Ability to follow directions
• Ability to make independent and effective decisions
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with both colleagues and patients, including comfort with speaking on the phone
• Computer literacy, including basic word processing and conduct of scientific literature reviews
• Working knowledge of clinical research protocols and their associated regulatory requirements
• Ability to demonstrate respect and professionalism for subject's rights and individuals needs

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

BA/BS in a scientific area of study is required. A pre-medical or health-related concentration and relevant coursework (biology, chemistry, immunology, epidemiology, etc.) is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Previous research experience including interface with research subjects, collection of clinical data, and/or familiarity with IRB requirements and regulatory documentation of research is preferred. Previous laboratory experience including knowledge of basic laboratory techniques and materials is also preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The candidate will work in an office space (connected to the associated laboratory) in the Jackson building on the main campus of Mass General Hospital. The floor is occupied by members of the Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center and is conducive to collaborative work. There are no heavy lifting or carrying requirements.

EEO Statement

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.