Research Assistant I 40 hour ONE YEAR ASSIGNMENT

Job Description:

I. Job Description

The Marcus Institute for Aging Research is seeking a Research Assistant I. In collaboration with others, the Research Assistant I will conduct research activities for the “tDCS for Apathy” project, a study investigating the feasibility and effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, on apathy in older adults with dementia. The Research Assistant will also support other ongoing research projects in the Center for Mobility and Falls as appropriate. These studies involve multifaceted assessments including but not limited to vital signs, cognitive-motor function, EEG, and questionnaires focused on mood, lifestyle, and medical history.

Roles within this position include communicating with older adults, data collection and management, conducting study assessments both over the phone and in-person, traveling on weekdays to participants’ homes for home-based intervention and assessments, processing participant reports, and maintaining records for internal and external regulatory purposes. Must have a working knowledge of the conduct of research protocols and it is preferred to have knowledge specific to health and well-being in aging, cognitive dysfunction, and other study-related core concepts.

II. Core Competencies

• Results Orientation: Focuses on delivering superior performance by setting and achieving stretch goals.
• Customer Service Orientation: Takes personal responsibility for understanding the real and underlying needs of participants and anticipating and meeting their expectations to maintain long-term relationships.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Collaborates effectively with team members across the organization to achieve shared goals in a constructive and supportive manner.

III. Position Responsibilities

• In collaboration with others, carries out research activities on various projects. Role would include conducting informed consent with research participants, conducting participant screenings, scheduling visits with research participants, administering questionnaires by phone and in-person, and conducting in-person assessments with older adult research participants.
• Follows standardized research protocol for assessments of cognition and mood.
• Follows standardized research protocol for the delivery of tDCS and assessment of brain EEG signals.
• Effectively utilizes study technologies and provides training to older adult participants on study-related technology use. Conducts at-home visits for brain stimulation as needed.
• Assists with recruitment of research participants as needed.
• Must have familiarity with data collection and management. Experience with REDCap is preferred.
• Prepares assessment reports for research participants and, upon participant request and consent, communicates relevant information to caregivers or healthcare providers as appropriate.
• Assists with formal data cleaning, updates procedures as necessary, and assists with Quality Assurance/Quality Control procedures.
• Maintains familiarity with current scientific literature and may assist with scientific research papers. May prepare abstracts for scientific meetings.
• Under supervision, prepares IRB correspondence and IRB reports, and files adverse event reports with the IRB according to established protocols when required.
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently by conducting participant screenings, scheduling, facilitating study visits, and managing assigned research activities while appropriately escalating questions or concerns to study supervisors. 
• Completes additional project-related tasks as assigned.

The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. It does not, however, exclude other duties, which would be in conformity with the level of the position.

IV. Required Qualifications

·         Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline such as biology, psychology, neuroscience, or similar field, including relevant clinical or academic research experience (2-3 years preferred).

·         Have access to a car and be willing to travel locally within the Greater Boston area for study related activities over most weekdays.

·         Previous work with older adults is strongly preferred.

·         General computer literacy required; experience with Windows, Word, and Excel. Experience with REDCap is helpful.

·         Must have excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, both in person and over the phone.

·         Shows careful attention to details and compliance, especially in handling participant data and regarding participant confidentiality.

·         Strong organizational and collaborative skills. Demonstrate creativity and initiative while maintaining discipline and sound judgment to manage high workloads and competing priorities.  Exhibit flexibility regarding project demands, including adapting to changes in schedules, coverage gaps, new technologies, and unanticipated participant needs.

·         Must be self-motivated and comfortable balancing independent work and collaborative teamwork with other research staff members.

·         Must have a positive demeanor, good intuition, and sound judgment, with the ability to handle and flexibly adapt to difficult situations and changing priorities.

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