Research Assistant II, The Center for Surgery and Public Health

The Research Assistant II will support two concurrent, patient-centered research studies. This role involves participant recruitment, consent, and active engagement in technology-enabled interventions designed to improve surgical care delivery and outcomes. Effort will be divided across both projects.
The first study seeks to reduce attrition in lung cancer screening programs by piloting a novel patient-centered intervention. Participants record personalized video reminders during their initial visit which are later delivered to encourage follow-up screening. Responsibilities include identifying and approaching eligible patients, facilitating consent, assisting with video recording, and supporting participant engagement and follow-up tracking.
The second study seeks to address recovery challenges for patients undergoing colorectal surgery through a web-based intervention. The RA will administer and track patient assessments, conduct follow-up communications, and assist with digital educational content.
The Research Assistant may contribute to additional studies or initiatives as they develop, supporting the broader research mission of the team.

Established in 2005 as a joint initiative of Harvard Medical School (HMS) and the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), The Center for Surgery and Public Health (CSPH) has been at the forefront of public health research of surgical care delivery within and throughout our nation's healthcare system. Utilizing innovative research methodologies grounded in clinical reality, we have developed surgical safety checklists, created a national agenda for surgical disparities research, and launched the pioneering work of rising stars in surgical health services research. We are advancing the science of surgical care delivery by studying effectiveness, quality, equity, and value at the population level and training the most gifted of a new generation of physician-scientists. Together our efforts are making surgery safer, more patient-centered and more accessible in the U.S. and around the world.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conduct research studies as per study guidelines and protocols. Recruit, screen, and consent study participants across clinical settings. Serve as a primary point of contact for participants, maintaining regular communication via phone, email, and in-person interactions. Facilitate participant engagement with study tools, including video recording, surveys, and web-based platforms. Collect, manage, and maintain accurate and confidential research data and participant records. Perform data entry, basic quantitative analyses, and routine reporting. Coordinate logistics and materials required for study execution. Collaborate with study teams across multiple sites. Maintain regulatory documents and IRB as needed. All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 1 year of research or clinical experience preferred; strong candidates with less experience may be considered.
• Experience recruiting and working with older adult patient populations preferred.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required for working with the study participants.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook) and comfort with digital research tools.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities across concurrent studies.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
• Professionalism and respect for patient needs, confidentiality, and ethical research conduct.

The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.