Clinical Research Assistant I – Dr. Thiagarajah and Dr. Silvester

This RA will be involved in both laboratory and clinical based research including recruiting and consenting patients for various multi-site research projects and culture and processing of patient-derived cells for translational studies. This is a great opportunity to gain clinical, translational and basic gastroenterology research experience as a member of a dynamic clinical and research team.

Responsibilities will include collecting and managing biological samples and data, preparing new protocols for human subject research and carrying out existing protocols, and performing laboratory experiments. Flexibility is required as there will be on-call work to attend emergent gastrointestinal procedures as well as remote work.

This Research Assistant I will be responsible for:

• Coordinating and preparing the necessary documentation for Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Committee on Clinical Investigations (CCI) submissions, together with the PI of the study
• Consenting and recruiting patients for research studies through personal interviews and written communications with patients/families. Provide detailed background information regarding studies to families, communicate all policies and procedures, and respond to all inquiries
• Direct involvement in lab-based projects and assisting other laboratory members in a variety of experiments (e.g., RNA library prep, cell culture, generation of DNA constructs, molecular and cellular assays)
• Coordinating activities between the hospital and research laboratories to ensure correct testing/processing and send out instructions specific to the study. Communicate project policies and procedures to personnel. Monitor and review data collection and data entry, and informed consent procedures – ensuring consistency of application for each study
• Serving as liaison to the families/patients in the research studies, conducted at both on-site and off-site locations, guiding and advising them throughout each phase of the study. Coordinate follow-up visits as necessary. Act as a resource to study participants, addressing any concerns they may have. Troubleshoot resolution of any issues that may arise throughout the study
• Maintaining records of results and methodologies in a log of work performed
• Maintaining equipment, lab area and supplies in a neat professional manner. Sterilizing and cleaning glassware, preparing media and other materials using appropriate procedures
• Contribute to presentations, technical reports and research publications
• Perform statistical analyses and data quality assessments to ensure robust and reliable results
• Participating in laboratory meetings and presentations
• Participating in the training of newly hired research study assistants

To qualify, you must have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, or a closely related field
• The analytical skills to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles
• Strong organizational skills
• The ability to be detail-oriented, proactive, work independently as a member of a team, have good problem solving skills and strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in one or more of these experimental techniques: cell culture, western blot, mouse husbandry
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites
• General interest in gastrointestinal healthcare
• Proficiency in statistical software (SPSS, R, REDCap), basic programming and/or bioinformatics analysis will be an asset
• The ability to interact with patients and families as well as patient samples

BCH offers competitive compensation and unmatched benefits including flexible schedules, affordable health, vision and dental insurance, child care and student loan subsidies, generous levels of time off, 403(b) Retirement Savings plan, Pension, Tuition and certain License and Certification Reimbursement, cell phone plan discounts and discounted rates on T-passes. Experience the benefits of passion and teamwork.