GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
We seek an organized, highly motivated, full-time Clinical Research Coordinator I (CRC) to join our Dystonia Partners Research Bank team in the Department of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital. The Dystonia Partners Research Bank (DPRB) is a long-term research program designed to help neurological healthcare providers and scientists understand the natural history of dystonia, related movement disorders, and neurological conditions and how genes and other factors affect people with dystonia. People with dystonia have involuntary, sustained muscle contractions that cause twisting, repetitive movements, and abnormal postures.
Under the DPRB protocol, we ask subjects with neurological movement disorders to provide cross-sectional and longitudinal medical and family history information, neurological examination(s) and tissue samples to be used in wide-ranging research applications. Our core team includes 4 Neurologists, with our PI, Nutan Sharma, M.D., Ph.D., 2 Research Coordinators, a Clinical Research Fellow, a Staff Assistant, and a Clinical Research Program Manager/Genetic Counselor. Many scientists working with the DPRB investigate genetic and cellular mechanisms associated with dystonias. The first gene (DYT1/TOR1A) associated with early-onset generalized dystonia was identified by scientists at MGH.
The CRC's primary responsibility is to independently recruit and enroll people with X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism, dystonia-related movement disorders, and their family members. Enrollment and the research visit entail completing the informed consent process, collecting medical history, and creating pedigrees, which may take place remotely. Administering neurological motor examinations with motion sensors and performing phlebotomy take place at Mass General and Brigham and Women's hospitals and, occasionally, at subject home visits.
In addition to working directly with subjects and their family members during research visits, the CRC identifies needs and communicates with research study staff, clinician-researchers, and research scientists. The CRC is responsible for input of research data, management of biological samples, and support of other research project operations as needed.
This is an excellent foundation for someone interested in pursuing graduate school in medicine, public health, or clinical research. There are ample opportunities to observe patient care and enhance understanding of genetic research. The ideal candidate must be self-motivated, mature, and responsible with excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills. You must be able to work independently in a dynamic environment, organize and prioritize multiple tasks, and seek assistance when appropriate.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The principal duties and responsibilities of the Clinical Research Coordinator I (CRC):
Recruitment
Enrollment and Research Visit
Additional Responsibilities
SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: Relevant course or project work is preferred but not required. Previous clinical research experience, including work with research subjects, collection of clinical data, and/or familiarity with IRB requirements and regulatory documentation, is preferred but not required.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The candidate will work in Building 114 in the Charlestown Navy Yard campus of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in which we share office space with the MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease (MIND) and other scientists studying neurological disease.
Job requires weekly travel to the MGH main campus and MGB outpatient neurology clinics and occasional travel to Harvard hospitals throughout Boston or other locations for DPRB recruitment, research visits, and meetings.
Job requires performance of duties that involve potential for exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.
Innovative and dynamic culture involving teamwork with neurologists, laryngologists, genetic counselors, geneticists, and basic scientists.
Job encourages the suggestion of new and improved ways to optimize daily operations. After 12 - 18 months of exemplary work, there is a potential for promotion to CRCII.
EEO StatementMassachusetts 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.