Harm Reduction Research Assistant Specialist

Harm Reduction Research Assistant Specialist

Join to apply for the Harm Reduction Research Assistant Specialist role at Boston Medical Center (BMC)

Position:
Harm Reduction Research Assistant Specialist, General Internal Medicine

Location:

Boston, MA

Schedule:

40 hours per week, On-site

The Harm Reduction Research Assistant Specialist (HRRAS) will assist in participant activities detailed in the study protocol to support a Safe Spot intervention study which aims to develop, implement, and evaluate an intervention to engage overdose survivors to use an overdose prevention hotline and reduce their unwitnessed substance use. The HRRAS will support the multidisciplinary team recruiting and retaining study participants from multiple community-based organizations, collecting study data through a variety of methods (questionnaires, qualitative interviews, focus groups, proof of concept trials), and additional day-to-day study activities.

• Supporting coordination and the conduct of focus group sessions and qualitative interviews for intervention development, assist with content analysis
• Ensuring smooth and efficient running of the clinical trial as per good clinical practices (GCP) guidelines and regulatory requirements, coordinating with the PI, research team, and clinic staff for completing research visits seamlessly
• Recruiting and screening potential participants admitted to the hospital, from post overdose programs, harm reduction organizations, street outreach and those expressing interest through flyers, advertising, social media, and word of mouth, ensuring they meet study eligibility criteria
• Distributing recruitment materials (posters, flyers, and cards) at community-based organizations and clinical sites
• Obtaining informed consent from participants, explaining the study’s purpose, risks, and any potential benefits
• Scheduling study participants for in-person, telephone, and virtual appointments, accommodating participants’ technology resources and skills
• Regularly contacting participants to retain them for the duration of the study
• Monitoring participant safety and well‑being, reporting any adverse events to the PI and sponsor in consultation with the research director; collecting, documenting, and managing study data (questionnaires and qualitative interviews) accurately and efficiently as per approved methods
• Maintaining and updating study documentation (e.g., study trackers, logs, progress notes, etc.)
• Serving as a liaison between the research team, participants, and community organization staff for efficient communication
• Participating in staff meetings/initiatives including appropriate quality improvement and education activities; if unable to attend, reviewing meeting minutes to stay knowledgeable of issues discussed
• Performing administrative duties associated with the study’s Data Monitoring and Safety Board, tracking and reporting adverse events and collecting data specified by the DMSB

Required

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED and a minimum of two years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of two years of relevant experience

• Knowledge of harm reduction principles, substance use disorders, or related work a plus
• Organization skills and strong attention to detail
• Strong time management and task prioritization skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams
• Must maintain strict confidentiality of all personal/health‑sensitive information

• Competitive pay
• Tuition reimbursement and tuition remission programs
• Highly subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Career Advancement/Professional Development:
  Access a wealth of ongoing training and development opportunities that will not only enhance your skills but also expand your knowledge base, especially for individuals pursuing careers in medicine or biomedical research
• Pioneering Research:
  Engage in groundbreaking research projects that are driving the forefront of biomedical science

As…