Clinical Research Assistant II
Partner's Healthcare

Site: The McLean Hospital Corporation

At Mass General Brigham, we know it takes a surprising range of talented professionals to advance our mission-from doctors, nurses, business people and tech experts, to dedicated researchers and systems analysts. As a not-for-profit organization, Mass General Brigham is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We place great value on being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve.

At Mass General Brigham, we believe a diverse set of backgrounds and lived experiences makes us stronger by challenging our assumptions with new perspectives that can drive revolutionary discoveries in medical innovations in research and patient care. Therefore, we invite and welcome applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups in healthcare - people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ community, and/or gender expansive, first and second-generation immigrants, veterans, and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds - to apply.

Job Summary
Description - External
Full-time Clinical Research Assistant position is available within McLean's Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders Laboratory, directed by Isabelle M. Rosso, Ph.D. The laboratory is part of McLean's Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research (http://cdasr.mclean.harvard.edu). This position will be split between two projects within the lab: one led by Dr. Rosso and another led by Dr. Kevin J. Clancy. The research assistant's principal role is to conduct research with human participants under the supervision of Drs. Rosso and Clancy. Both projects focus on the neurobiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in trauma-exposed populations across the life span (e.g., adolescents and adults). The projects utilize various methods, including multiple modalities of brain imaging (e.g., MRI, MRS, EEG), clinical interviews and assessments (e.g., self-report, CAPS-5, MINI), digital phenotyping (e.g., ecological momentary assessments, passive smartphone data collection), and non-invasive brain stimulation (e.g., transcranial electrical stimulation). A two-year commitment from the candidate is requested. Renewal of the appointment is contingent upon performance, continued funding, and successful completion of a required period of evaluation. This position offers an excellent opportunity for graduating seniors looking for clinical research experience before applying to graduate school in psychology (particularly clinical psychology programs) or medical school.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Indicate key areas of responsibility, major job duties, special projects, and key objectives for this position. These items should be evaluated throughout the year and included in the written annual evaluation.

Principal duties may vary over time with grant funding and project demands, and with the tasks assigned to other staff assigned to the projects. The research assistant may be responsible for the following activities:

• Initiates and maintains contact with potential study participants. Responsible for screening participants, ensuring they meet appropriate criteria, and making an independent judgment as to their eligibility.

• Coordinates study visits with adolescents and/or adults.

• Conducts behavioral, psychophysiology, and neuroimaging (e.g., fMRI, MRS, EEG) experiments. May be required to perform clinical tests such as phlebotomy, EKGs, etc.

• Completes MRI training and prepares participants for MRI scanning.

• Working with the Principal Investigators and other staff to develop and implement recruitment strategies.

• Develops, organizes, and/or maintains the study database. Responsible for data validation and quality control, as well as preliminary statistical analyses.

• In conjunction with the Principal Investigators, develops and implements new research protocols including design, and data collection systems.

• Performs literature searches, as appropriate.

• Assists Principal Investigators with preparation for academic presentations and written published articles.

• Assists with monitoring the laboratory budget, including ordering equipment.

• Maintains inventory and orders supplies when necessary.

• Assists Principal Investigators in IRB submissions and compliance with regulatory agencies.

• Will be involved in most aspects of research, with the possible opportunity to be a co-author on abstracts, papers.

• Participates in the training of newly hired staff, as required.

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

• For applicants with at least one year of directly related research experience and demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies: Trains and oversees new staff or more entry-level staff. May serve as a team leader or in a supervisory capacity in a smaller area.

Excellent interpersonal skills are required for working with the study participants.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks.
Careful attention to detail.
High degree of computer literacy, including knowledge of computer programs, databases, etc.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of clinical research protocols.
Knowledge of basic statistical analysis methods and use of statistical software package(s) (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R)
Ability to demonstrate professionalism and respect for subjects' rights and individual needs.

Qualifications

BS OR BA in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field, required.

• Preferred undergraduate or graduate coursework in psychology and/or neuroscience, or prior research experience in the areas of neuroscience or brain imaging.
• Must have 1 year experience post degree. Preferred working in human subjects research. Experience working with patients with PTSD or anxiety disorders is preferred, but not a requirement.
• Please see the information below-regarding application materials.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Additional_Job_Description

Remote Type

Hybrid

Work Location

115 Mill Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

EEO Statement:

The McLean Hospital Corporation 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.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership "looks like" by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.

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