Clinical Research Specialist I - Boston Children's Hospital

The Digital Wellness Lab of the Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School and the top-rated pediatric hospital in the nation, is seeking a skilled clinical research specialist for a full-time hybrid position. The Digital Wellness Lab is a nonprofit research center seeking to understand and promote positive and healthy digital media experiences for young people, from birth through young adulthood.

At the Lab, we work to develop an evidence base for digital wellness by conducting, translating, and distributing research on the positive and negative effects of technology and interactive media use on young people to inform our progress towards positive health and development for every child, teen, and young adult.
Under the guidance of the Lab’s Research Director and Scientists, the Clinical Research Specialist will work extensively on the Lab’s series of Pulse Surveys and will collaborate with the members of the Lab’s research team to design studies, collect data, conduct analyses, and write reports related to deepening our understanding of young people’s digital wellness.

• As a key member of a small research team, this person will have the opportunity to contribute to all stages of research including seeking funding, methodological design, implementation/data collection, and preparation of manuscripts and presentations.
• This is an exciting opportunity for an early career clinical researcher with an interest in human development, adolescent health, media and technology, psychology, and/or related fields of study. 
• Ongoing projects include but are not limited to: research investigating the intersection between widely used and emerging digital media technologies (i.e., social media, generative AI, social gaming) and youth health.
• Primary methods of data collection include semi-structured focus groups and surveys.

Responsibilities

• Assists Principal Investigators in planning and implementing clinical research studies.
• Coordinates key tasks and day-to-day activities for one or more studies at a time.
• Conducts data collection, organization, analysis, and reporting activities; engages independently and with team to critically evaluate analyses, results, and interpretations.
• Collaborates with other researchers internally and externally to plan studies and interpret findings.
• Supports grant identification and proposal processes and the writing and publication of reports, presentations, abstracts, and posters.
• Contributes to the team within and between departments and projects.
• Offers coaching and support to research interns and co-ops.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field AND one year of relevant work experience (preferred) OR Bachelor's degree in a related field, AND a minimum three years of relevant experience
• Analytical skills to resolve complex problems requiring the use of scientific, mathematical, or technical principles and in-depth, experience-based knowledge relating to youth and digital media
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Technically competent with data analysis software (such as SPSS) and standard communication software (such as PowerPoint)
• Candidates should possess foundational knowledge in conducting social science research, whether quantitative or qualitative, as demonstrated through past work or academic projects.
• Preference for:
  • High degree of self-motivation and attention to detail
  • Experience with project management, particularly within a research environment
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Flexible, nimble approach that allows for growth and change within an expanding Lab environment
  • Enthusiasm for and understanding of the topics of digital wellness, child and adolescent development, and emerging technologies

Boston Children’s Hospital offers competitive compensation and unmatched benefits.