Position Summary
The Neurofibromatosis Research Initiative (NFRI) within the Division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children’s Hospital is seeking a Clinical Research Assistant to facilitate recruitment of participants in clinical research studies related to Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). NF1 is a genetic condition that causes a variety of symptoms that include the development of tumors. The NFRI’s mission is to advance preclinical research towards effective clinical management of NF1. We are currently recruiting participants for three clinical research projects. First, we are recruiting all local patients with NF1 to participate in biobanking of samples to support research on NF1. Second, we are recruiting participants to determine the recurrence risk of NF1 among parents of children with NF1 who do not have, and also among adults who do have NF1. Third, we are recruiting participants with NF1 who are at higher risk of NF1-related tumors to prospectively collect blood samples that will be analyzed for early markers of tumor development (a so-called “liquid biopsy”). In collaboration with other research groups, we hope to demonstrate that this liquid biopsy will offer a cost-effective method for tumor early detection and lead to improved patient outcomes. The person in this position will work as part of a small but dedicated clinical research team to recruit participants and collect samples to support these studies. This position offers an opportunity to develop an understanding of interdisciplinary clinical research in an academic medical center setting. Check us out at: www.NFResearch-Childrens.org

Key Responsibilities

• Provides detailed information regarding study policies and procedures to subjects and families. Evaluates suitability of prospective study candidates
• Identifies opportunities to promote the study
• Facilitates consent and enrollment of subjects to study protocols. Conducts outreach with subjects to maximize compliance
• Serves as guide to the subjects in the research studies. Communicates with subject and acts as a resource to subjects, troubleshooting any logistical or technical issues that may arise during the follow-up period
• Coordinates scheduling of subjects’ blood draw appointments at remote labs
• Packages and ships specimen collection kits to subjects. Assists project manager in maintaining inventory of study supplies
• Supports project manager in monitoring subject compliance to study procedures. Reviews data collection and data entry for quality assurance
• Communicates project policies and procedures to personnel and subjects
• Prepares and submits the necessary documentation for Institutional Review Board and other submissions, together with the project manager and Principal Investigator of the study
• Performs data collection for reports for distribution to study team and preparation of articles for submission to medical journals, as necessary
• Participates in the training of newly hired research study assistants, as necessary
• Engages in team meetings for strategy development and execution of the research program
• Prepares, routes and tracks routine administrative forms and documents. Schedules meetings with stakeholders and assists with notetaking, as necessary

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree

Experience:

• Attention to detail and analytical skills/judgement to interpret information and independently take appropriate action with the support of team
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Previous research experience, particularly with recruitment methods preferred