Clinical Research Coordinator
Clinical Research Coordinator
GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
The Pappas Center for Neuro-Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital is seeking a motivated, conscientious individual to join our team as a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC). The CRC will work under general supervision of and report to the PIs, Dr. Scott Plotkin and Dr. Priscilla Brastianos for day-to-day responsibilities and to the MGH Cancer Center Protocol Office (CCPO) Program Manager for administrative aspects.
The CRC will facilitate a synergistic intersection of patient care and biomedical research. Immersed in the daily operations of a busy clinical research program, this CRC works at the intersection of translational scientific research and clinical care. The CRC will be responsible for maintaining a clinical and genomic database for MGH oncology patients enrolled on a large, multi-site neurological tissue banking study. The CRC consents patients to the research study remotely, in the clinic, and in pre-operative settings. Coordinating between the Pathology Department and neurosurgical operating rooms, the CRC leads the collection of specimens for research and genetic testing purposes. The CRC is also responsible for routinely extracting clinical data from medical records of participants into a dedicated database, generating patient cohorts for investigators, and data quality control.
The CRC will also participate in ongoing neuro-oncology research projects, which includes molecular characterization of patients’ tumors and extraction of radiographic data for patients with tumors of the nervous system. Discoveries from this research in turn inspire innovative clinical trials, helping improve treatment for future patients afflicted with tumors of the nervous system. The CRC will be particularly engaged in work on brain metastases through the Brastianos Lab and work on tumor suppressor syndromes through the Family Center for Neurofibromatosis and Schwannomatosis. Both labs are dedicated to career development of their trainees and offer opportunities for the CRC to shadow healthcare providers. This position is well-suited to those interested in research and patient care. Through frequent interactions with patients, their families, and healthcare professionals, this individual can gain the insight and experiences to jumpstart a rewarding career in a multitude of clinical and research fields. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) and is expected to last for at least 2 years. This position is ideal for someone who is planning to attend medical or nursing school, or pursue other graduate level education.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides explanation of study and obtains informed consent from patients
- Verifies study subject inclusion/exclusion criteria and registers patients onto study
- Obtains patient study data from medical records, physicians, etc.
- Collects, organizes, and maintains patient data in electronic databases (e.g., REDCap)
- Leads research specimen collection from operating rooms/pathology/clinic procedures (i.e., tissue samples, blood draws and lumbar punctures)
- Tracks physicians' requests for clinical molecular testing
- Provides regular updates on study progress at weekly research lab meetings
- Assists with study-related IRB filings and regulatory submissions as required
- Coordinates weekly Brain Metastasis Tumor Board meetings to support patient care
- Helps organize biannual meetings for the REINS Collaboration (an international organization of neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis clinicians, researchers and patient representatives dedicated to improving clinical trials)
- Performs additional administrative support duties as required
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
- Careful attention to detail
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and as a team member
- Analytical skills and ability to problem-solve
- Standard computer literacy and ability to learn new technology (e.g., data management and collection tools)
- Ability to demonstrate respect and professionalism for subjects’ rights and individual needs
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
EXPERIENCE:
- New graduates with some relevant course/project work or those without any prior research experience will be considered for the Clinical Research Coordinator I position outlined above.
- Those with a minimum of 1-2 years of directly related work experience will be considered for a Clinical Research Coordinator II position.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
- A Clinical Research Coordinator I does not have any supervisory responsibility.
- A Clinical Research Coordinator II may assist with the training and orientation of new staff members.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work is performed in office and clinical settings on MGH's main hospital campus. One day of work per week may be able to be performed remotely, based on patients' needs.