Clinical Research Specialist, GS

Clinical Research Specialist, GS

Functioning very independently and under the general direction of the principal investigator, the Research Specialist (RS) will manage projects related to reducing diagnostic errors and promoting medication safety.
The main current role with be to function as Project Director administering a large multicenter 4-year AHRQ Center for Diagnostic Excellent to Improve Cancer Diagnosis (ICDx). The RS oversee the conduct and participate in associated research studies including study design, analysis, and manuscript preparation. Contributions with include both administrative roles described below as well as contributing to scientific literature, reports to funding agencies, preparation of manuscripts to journal articles (including co-authorship as appropriate), presentations, and grant writing.

The RS will work closely with investigators and staff at BWH, Mass General Brigham (MGB) HealthCare System and external collaborating organizations (in the case of the ICDx AHRQ project with his/her counterpart at the University of Washington) to successfully help lead the conduct of the research studies.
Study activities will include project management; supervising up to 3 research assistants; organizing investigator meetings, producing manuscripts for submission to journals; grant writing; data collection, tracking, and statistical analysis; overseeing chart review processes; coordination of IT tool development; and managing cross-collaborators’ activities. A major and critical role will be interfacing with and overseeing the IRB submissions, approvals and reporting for the projects. This position requires research and statistical analysis experience, excellent interpersonal and writing skills, problem-solving skills, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to think creatively about improving healthcare quality and delivery.

• Researches, develops, designs, and executes and interprets research data.

• Under the direction of the PI, assists in the directing, designing, planning, and execution of analysis for several studies. Independently designs, plans, and conducts analysis on associated research studies, applying skills in statistics and health services research.

• Contributes to interpretation of research data and results.

• Contributes to scientific literature, reports, journals, and presentations.

• Participates in study design and protocol development.

• Develops Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions and follow-up of required reporting.

• Serves as lead project administer in design and writing of grant proposals and grant material and reporting to funding organizations.

• Help compose and present sections of research reports and manuscripts.

• Perform data analysis, working closely with the PI, statisticians, and other researchers.

• Provides oversight and management of day-to-day operations of several large, multi-faceted projects; oversees research assistant staff.

• Provides coordination and support for the development of data collection instruments and data management systems. Skilled in using multiple databases Excel and others such as MS Access, RedCap, others to assist in data collection efforts, database development, and descriptive data analysis.

• Oversees coordination of IT development required in projects.

• Works with the data support team to manage data collection from participating collaborators and identify when data does not meet requirements for analyses.

• Assists with interviewing, hiring, and managing project staff and contributes to the annual review of research assistants.

• Management of the financial aspects of the project to ensure that project goals are met within budget.

• Prepares presentations and materials for distribution related to the project, including MS PowerPoint slides, tables, and graphs. Participates in giving presentations.

• Other duties, as assigned by the PI or Project Director.

• Professional office/cubicle fully equipped and supported (IT, etc.) workspace.

• Master’s degree required with concentration in healthcare, a minimum of 5 years’ healthcare research experience including project management, and experience with grant writing and publishing manuscripts.PhD preferred.

• Strong administrative and grant organizational leadership skills and experience.

• Demonstrated experience in project management leadership.

• Strong research design and analytical skills.

• Experience with data management, including using word-processing, spreadsheet, MS Access database software and REDCap preferred.

• Interest in healthcare and innovative interventions, progressive reform to improve patient care and healthcare quality.

• Excellent interpersonal skills required for working with project leadership, clinicians, and staff in a professional, respectful, and joyful manner.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills; strong writing and presentation skills

• Ability to supervise and train staff effectively

• Proven leadership skills and demonstrated ability to accomplish study goals through collaborative efforts

• A minimum of 5 years of research experience including project management required

• Excellent problem-solving skills and creativity in innovation

• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks

• Ability to work independently, complete work and meet deadlines

• Ability to think creatively about improving healthcare delivery

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, and statistical software

• Analytical skills and ability to work with data

BWH 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.