RESEARCH SPECIALIST I, School of Medicine, Anatomy & Neurobiology - Boston University

We are seeking a highly motivated, proactive and collaborative full time Research Specialist. This position will be directly assisting with responsibilities relating to the AHA/Gates Ventures funded Collaboratory Project between Framingham Heart Study (FHS) and Boston Universitys Alzheimers Disease Research Center (BU ADRC). The project includes, but is not limited to, working directly with participants and data from FHS and the handling of documents to the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The Research Specialist will collaborate between the BU (BU ADRC) and Framingham (FHS) teams. In addition, he/she will be tasked with assisting faculty on an AHA-funded study by conducting in-person or remote study visits, providing coaching for using cognitive applications, recruiting participants from FHS, running quality control checks to ensure data is flowing properly, and aiding in data analysis. This job involves working with elderly participants who may be cognitively impaired, so experience with sensitive populations and patient facing or customer care experience are a plus. Applicants must possess a BA or BS degree in neuroscience, psychology, public health or related social and life science field plus, one to three years of research experience working with human subjects. Excellent communication, organizational skills, and a strong interest in the application of mobile and remote technology to improve and monitor cognitive health at scale are expected. Previous experience using mobile or electronic applications and devices for cognitive status or other health monitoring is strongly preferred. Some interactive telephone and/or email communication experience is also preferred. This role will require an ability to travel from several different locations throughout Massachusetts.

Additional specific responsibilities:

• Help collect digital phenotypic data through smartphone applications related to their respective platforms
• Provide on-going tech support and coaching
• Collate, manage and analyze data associated with age-related cognitive decline
• Search the scientific literature and digital technology business sector to inform evolvement of the applications being used
• Help PIs conduct statistical data analyses ensuring all assumptions are met
• Prepare data summaries in forms of reports and presentations
• Take part in general project management and meeting administrative and funding organizations reporting requirements
• Assist with IRB-related documentation

Required knowledge, skills, abilities/competencies typically needed to perform this job successfully:

• Solid analytical skills and attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work assignments
• Documented excellent skills for protocol and manual documentation
• Ability to work independently and effectively collaborate with other staff in a multidisciplinary environment and with collaborating institutions
• Experience with troubleshooting technology (training will be provided for all tech/apps) Ability to travel throughout Massachusetts

Please note all newly hired staff and faculty will need to be in compliance with Boston University’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Requirement within 30 days of date of hire. You must upload your vaccine documentation or request a medical or religious exemption (instructions). For further information on the University’s response to COVID-19, please visit the COVID-19 Resources site.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.