Research Assistant R31883

Baystate Health - Springfield, MA

Part-time,Full-time - Entry Level

Springfield, MA

Hospitals

About the position

The Department of Healthcare Delivery and Population Sciences at Baystate Health is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join our team on a full-time basis. This position is integral to two NIH-funded research studies focused on post-hospitalization outcomes: the Ambulation Trial and the Smoking Cessation Trial. The Ambulation Trial aims to evaluate the benefits of regular ambulation among hospitalized patients, involving approximately 3,000 patients across six hospitals. The Smoking Cessation Trial investigates the support required by patients who smoke upon discharge from the hospital, utilizing innovative methods such as a text messaging system and self-administration of nicotine therapy medications for participants in the active arm of the study. As a Research Assistant, you will work directly with patients in a hospital setting to assess their eligibility for these studies. Your responsibilities will include walking patients in accordance with study protocols, conducting various assessments such as the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and collecting and recording data accurately. You will also be responsible for maintaining communication with hospital staff to ensure patient safety and well-being, as well as cleaning and organizing research equipment. This role requires a commitment to following detailed instructions and protocols, as well as the ability to work independently and take initiative in completing study tasks. This position is fully grant-funded for the next three years and may require some weekend hours to meet study timelines. Successful candidates will receive training to ensure they are well-prepared to conduct patient assessments and data collection in a clinical environment. The Research Assistant will report directly to the Clinical Research Coordinator and will work under their supervision to ensure compliance with all study protocols and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Screen and recruit admitted patients that meet eligibility criteria on specific hospital units.
• Walk patients multiple times per day according to study ambulation protocols and best safety practices.
• Conduct or collect Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 6-Clicks, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and other assessments.
• Record study data onto case report forms and transcribe into electronic capture system (REDCap).
• Attend study team meetings to report study recruitment and activity progress.
• Communicate with hospital unit staff to identify eligible patients' needs and ensure patient well-being.
• Clean research ambulation equipment after patient use.
• Maintain order in visited clinical units and patient rooms.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree preferred.
• Under 1 year of experience in a research or healthcare setting.
• Basic understanding of data collection and research principles preferred.
• CITI certification preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• 6-12 months experience as a Research Assistant or related field.
• Academic courses focused on research methods.
• Prior customer service experience.
• Prior hospital experience and patient contact.

Benefits

• Full-time position with a competitive salary.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects.
• Training provided for conducting patient assessments and data collection.