Research Assistant I

About the Role

The Channing/Harvard Cohorts Biorepository (CHCB) manages sample collection, storage, and distribution for large longitudinal cohorts. We are seeking a Research Assistant I to recruit and coordinate research participants for biospecimen collection studies.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact between study participants and the investigative team, including creating enrollment schedules and correspondence timelines, sharing study-specific information, and responding to participant questions.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully when discussing sensitive information.
• Communicate directly with participants by phone, email, and mail, and track and respond to written requests.
• Work with the Project Manager to establish and maintain relationships with study vendors.
• Under the Project Manager’s direction, collaborate with data management and information management teams to create, test, and deploy electronic workflows, including online questionnaires, online consents, and automated email correspondence.
• Support activities such as drafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintaining the lab, ordering supplies, and completing special projects.
• Assist the Project Manager with day-to-day project operations, including logistics, scheduling, resource and equipment planning, and staff communications.
• Manage collection of project-specific data through case report forms (CRFs) and project reports.
• Maintain accurate, detailed study records suitable for IRB review.
• Lead small projects to improve existing processes or launch new initiatives.
• Partner with Project Manager and team members to develop protocols and processes for current and future collections.
• Assist with data entry, office duties, and other tasks assigned by the Laboratory Manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Project Manager and Laboratory Manager.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Preparing written and web-based participant materials.
• Sending and responding to official study communications by email and mail.
• Organizing outreach efforts.
• Supporting recruitment planning to maintain a steady flow of new participants.
• Managing participant communications by phone, email, and mail to answer questions and address concerns.
• Communicating and troubleshooting collection-related issues.
• Coordinating IRB documentation.
• Organizing meetings, agendas, and study documentation.
• Collaborating with Channing Data Management staff to generate reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Science required.
• New grad with some relevant coursework, 0-1 year preferred.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Careful attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks.
• Computer literacy, including database tools.
• Ability to follow directions and exhibit professionalism.