Career Opportunities

Job ID #

3310341

Description

The Medical Practice Evaluation Center (MPEC) is seeking Research Assistants (Clinical Research Coordinators) to work with an internationally recognized multidisciplinary team from Massachusetts General Hospital dedicated to improving clinical outcomes, increasing value in health policy, and informing global public health through innovative research, collaboration, and education. MPEC is a dynamic, results-oriented, and diverse group that values the unique contribution of its Research Assistants.  

Research Assistants will receive training on clinical and public health research topics, simulation model design and application, research software and tools, interdisciplinary collaboration, and best practices in academic research. MPEC highly values communication of its work to external audiences and is committed to cultivating the presentation skills of Research Assistants – skills that are essential in virtually every field. Research Assistants work within a larger research community at Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School that provides exposure to a breadth of interdisciplinary collaboration, access to lectures, and training on a wide array of topics, including programming languages, writing, presentation skills, phlebotomy, ethics, and clinical topics. MPEC values individual mentorship and career development for Research Assistants evident in opportunities for coauthorship on peer-reviewed manuscripts, clinical shadowing, presentations at conferences, and references for future jobs and schooling. Research Assistants in our group frequently go on to pursue careers in medicine, public health, epidemiology, global health, and health policy research, as well as careers in economics, public policy, biostatistics, and non-governmental organizations.                                 

Research Assistants will either work with investigators in the Simulation Modeling and Cost-effectiveness Analysis pillar or the Epidemiology and Implementation pillar within MPEC.

The Simulation Modeling and Cost-effectiveness Analysis pillar conducts clinical and cost-effectiveness analyses on key aspects of HIV disease management across the life cycle, from infancy to adolescence to aging with HIV. This pillar also develops models to address other chronic and infectious disease treatment and prevention. The pillar works on rapid turn-around high priority key policy issues in the US and beyond. Past and current projects include:

• Projecting the harms and benefits of dolutegravir treatment for HIV in women of childbearing age, which was cited in the WHO policy decision to not withhold this important new treatment option from this population
• Working closely with the Zimbabwean Ministry of Health and Child Care to develop a location-optimization model that could help inform the placement of limited point-of-care testing devices for early infant diagnosis of HIV
• Examining the clinical and economic impact, as well as optimal drug price, of current and novel HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications for populations at high risk of acquiring HIV in the United States, India, and South Africa among other populations
• Assessing the cost-effectiveness of new tuberculosis diagnostic tests in South Africa and Malawi, which was cited in the WHO’s guidelines on tuberculosis testing in people with HIV
• Estimating the impact of tobacco smoking and smoking cessation on the health of people with HIV in the US, which was cited in the US Department of Health and Human Services guidelines on primary care of people with HIV
• Working alongside national clinical trials networks in the US and other settings to project the long-term outcomes of interventions to improve health
• Projecting the burden of dementia, cardiovascular disease, and depression among people aging with HIV

Please note that no prior experience in mathematical modeling, programming, economics, or cost-effectiveness analysis is expected of applicants to the Simulation Modeling and Cost-effectiveness Analysis Research Assistant position.

The Epidemiology and Implementation pillar develops, implements, and evaluates interventions to improve engagement in medical care in the United States and international settings. Past and current projects include:

• Establishing an international registry of dermatologic manifestations of COVID-19, which led to the discovery of “COVID toes” as a sequela
• An evaluation of pre-therapy HIV adherence counseling, which eliminated delays between eligibility and initiation of HIV therapy in sub-Saharan Africa
• Established one of the first routine HIV screening programs in South Africa, which has since been incorporated into routine practice
• Evaluating the clinical impact of a policy change to allow virologically stable HIV patients to pick up medications at community venues in South Africa
• Quantitative measurement of the effects of HIV on aging and heart disease in rural Uganda
• Investigating the role of maternal HIV infection in the development of early childhood infections
• Studying low-barrier service delivery mechanisms for sexually-transmitted infection screening and prevention out of the MGH Sexual Health Clinic and in partnership with community organizations in the Boston area
• A pilot project to offer HIV prevention and family planning to young women in community venues (such as hair salons) in South Africa

Application process

Interested candidates should apply via www.massgeneral.org/careers website using Job ID 3310341.

**When applying, please upload:

• Cover letter specific to the role in our Center
• Resume
• Transcript (unofficial transcript is OK)

Applications that do not include all three components will NOT be considered.**

Principal duties and responsibilities

MPEC Research Assistants participate in all phases of research projects, from conception and design of studies through analysis and writing manuscripts for submission to academic journals.

Responsibilities may include, for example:

Modeling pillar-specific tasks

• Participate in simulation model development and design
• Design and execute simulation model runs to address critical policy research questions
• Extract model projections and summarize findings in tables
• Design and develop visually compelling figures that display model output
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary domestic and international scientists to assess datasets, design research questions, and present model findings to policymakers, collaborators, and community partners

Implementation pillar-specific tasks

• Design and manage study databases, generate data queries, and participate in data cleaning efforts
• Analyze quantitative data as part of cohort studies, clinical trials, and implementation studies
• Code qualitative data from in-depth interviews and focus groups
• Partner with international collaborators and study staff on oversight of studies, standard operating procedure development and review, and data quality assurance

Cross-pillar tasks

• Assist in writing abstracts and designing posters for submission to research conferences
• Present study results to project teams and external stakeholders
• Assist with the preparation of Data Use Agreements, Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications, and related documents regarding the protection of human subjects
• Perform systematic literature reviews and synthesize relevant data
• Help prepare grant applications
• Provide administrative support as needed, including organizing meetings and preparing slides for lectures and seminars

Qualifications

The position requires a bachelor’s degree, with an academic record demonstrating experience and skills in analytical thinking and/or quantitative methods. Candidates should also demonstrate skill in organization, time management, and both verbal and written communication.

Additional qualifications include:

• Advanced attention to detail
• Problem-solving skills
• Experience with data organization and analysis
• Proficiency with standard Microsoft Office software (particularly Excel), as well as interest in learning new software applications
• Ability to work as part of a diverse team, including remote collaboration
• Intellectual independence and initiative
• Interest in decision science, simulation modeling and analysis, public health, health policy, economics, and/or medicine
• Excellent academic record

Additional experience that is helpful but not required:

• Database design and management experience, particularly with REDCap or Access
• Previous research experience (classroom-based or professional), including investigator-initiated clinical research studies, decision science research and/or simulation tools, or qualitative research methods
• Experience in international or intercultural settings
• Familiarity with statistical programming software such as SAS, Stata, Python, or R

Working Conditions

Duties will be carried out in a hybrid format, with time split between a typical office environment and a remote environment. We value work-life balance, and hours will typically be a standard 40 hours per week from Monday to Friday. Hours outside the 9-5 workday may be requested on occasion, with overtime compensation as appropriate, particularly around grant submission deadlines.

In keeping with our overarching mission to reduce health and other disparities in vulnerable populations, the Medical Practice Evaluation Center is specifically committed to recruiting a diverse team of individuals across race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and ability backgrounds to ensure that our science is informed by and responsive to the communities we aim to serve. The Center strives to become a leader in developing and maintaining increased representation, recognition, and support of each of these dimensions of diversity among all of its members.

The above is intended to describe the general contents and requirements of work being performed by all people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all duties, responsibilities, or skills of personnel so classified.

Job ID #

3305619

Description

The Medical Practice Evaluation Center (MPEC) is seeking Research Assistants (Clinical Research Coordinators) to work with an internationally recognized multidisciplinary team from Massachusetts General Hospital dedicated to improving clinical outcomes, increasing value in health policy, and informing global public health through innovative research, collaboration, and education. MPEC is a dynamic, results-oriented, and diverse group that values the unique contribution of its Research Assistants.  

Research Assistants will receive training on clinical and public health research topics, simulation model design and application, research software and tools, interdisciplinary collaboration, and best practices in academic research. MPEC highly values communication of its work to external audiences and is committed to cultivating the presentation skills of Research Assistants – skills that are essential in virtually every field. Research Assistants work within a larger research community at Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School that provides exposure to a breadth of interdisciplinary collaboration, access to lectures, and training on a wide array of topics, including programming languages, writing, presentation skills, phlebotomy, ethics, and clinical topics. MPEC values individual mentorship and career development for Research Assistants evident in opportunities for coauthorship on peer-reviewed manuscripts, clinical shadowing, presentations at conferences, and references for future jobs and schooling. Research Assistants in our group frequently go on to pursue careers in medicine, public health, epidemiology, global health, and health policy research, as well as careers in economics, public policy, biostatistics, and non-governmental organizations.                                 

Research Assistants will work with investigators in the Epidemiology and Implementation pillar within MPEC.

The Epidemiology and Implementation pillar develops, implements, and evaluates interventions to improve engagement in medical care in the United States and international settings. Past and current projects include:

• Establishing an international registry of dermatologic manifestations of COVID-19, which led to the discovery of “COVID toes” as a sequela
• An evaluation of pre-therapy HIV adherence counseling, which eliminated delays between eligibility and initiation of HIV therapy in sub-Saharan Africa
• Established one of the first routine HIV screening programs in South Africa, which has since been incorporated into routine practice
• Evaluating the clinical impact of a policy change to allow virologically stable HIV patients to pick up medications at community venues in South Africa
• Quantitative measurement of the effects of HIV on aging and heart disease in rural Uganda
• Investigating the role of maternal HIV infection in the development of early childhood infections
• Studying low-barrier service delivery mechanisms for sexually-transmitted infection screening and prevention out of the MGH Sexual Health Clinic and in partnership with community organizations in the Boston area
• A pilot project to offer HIV prevention and family planning to young women in community venues (such as hair salons) in South Africa

Application process

Interested candidates should apply via www.massgeneral.org/careers website using Job ID 3305619.

**When applying, please upload:

• Cover letter specific to the role in our Center
• Resume
• Transcript (unofficial transcript is OK)

Applications that do not include all three components will NOT be considered.**

Principal duties and responsibilities

MPEC Research Assistants participate in all phases of research projects, from conception and design of studies through analysis and writing manuscripts for submission to academic journals.

Responsibilities may include, for example:

Implementation pillar-specific tasks

• Design and manage study databases, generate data queries, and participate in data cleaning efforts
• Analyze quantitative data as part of cohort studies, clinical trials, and implementation studies
• Code qualitative data from in-depth interviews and focus groups
• Partner with international collaborators and study staff on oversight of studies, standard operating procedure development and review, and data quality assurance

Cross-pillar tasks

• Assist in writing abstracts and designing posters for submission to research conferences
• Present study results to project teams and external stakeholders
• Assist with the preparation of Data Use Agreements, Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications, and related documents regarding the protection of human subjects
• Perform systematic literature reviews and synthesize relevant data
• Help prepare grant applications
• Provide administrative support as needed, including organizing meetings and preparing slides for lectures and seminars

Qualifications

The position requires a bachelor’s degree, with an academic record demonstrating experience and skills in analytical thinking and/or quantitative methods. Candidates should also demonstrate skill in organization, time management, and both verbal and written communication.

Additional qualifications include:

• Advanced attention to detail
• Problem-solving skills
• Experience with data organization and analysis
• Proficiency with standard Microsoft Office software (particularly Excel), as well as interest in learning new software applications
• Ability to work as part of a diverse team, including remote collaboration
• Intellectual independence and initiative
• Interest in decision science, simulation modeling and analysis, public health, health policy, economics, and/or medicine
• Excellent academic record

Additional experience that is helpful but not required:

• Database design and management experience, particularly with REDCap or Access
• Previous research experience (classroom-based or professional), including investigator-initiated clinical research studies, decision science research and/or simulation tools, or qualitative research methods
• Experience in international or intercultural settings
• Familiarity with statistical programming software such as SAS, Stata, Python, or R

Working Conditions

Duties will be carried out in a hybrid format, with time split between a typical office environment and a remote environment. We value work-life balance, and hours will typically be a standard 40 hours per week from Monday to Friday. Hours outside the 9-5 workday may be requested on occasion, with overtime compensation as appropriate, particularly around grant submission deadlines.

In keeping with our overarching mission to reduce health and other disparities in vulnerable populations, the Medical Practice Evaluation Center is specifically committed to recruiting a diverse team of individuals across race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and ability backgrounds to ensure that our science is informed by and responsive to the communities we aim to serve. The Center strives to become a leader in developing and maintaining increased representation, recognition, and support of each of these dimensions of diversity among all of its members.

The above is intended to describe the general contents and requirements of work being performed by all people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all duties, responsibilities, or skills of personnel so classified.

Job ID #

3309121

Description

The Medical Practice Evaluation Center (MPEC) at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is seeking a highly motivated and creative individual to help implement investigator-led clinical research studies, primarily on the topic of upper respiratory infections in the Boston area. In collaboration with partner institutions across Mass General Brigham and the US, we are conducting novel science to understand respiratory infections that affect the general population.

The Project Coordinator will play a key role developing, organizing, and implementing a multi-year household survey where participants collect nasal and blood specimens for scientific investigation. This will include interacting with participants, overseeing the day-to-day operations of a fast-paced study, collaborating with partner studies, ensuring high quality data collection, identifying and addressing administrative challenges, and maintaining smooth and efficient operations.

MPEC is a research center at MGH that informs health policy and transforms the care of underserved populations worldwide through clinically focused cost effectiveness, epidemiologic, and implementation research. MPEC is driven by a team of passionate and dedicated personnel from diverse backgrounds who exemplify professionalism, respect, and integrity in their work. There are opportunities to expand this role to other projects within MPEC. 

MPEC is unified by several core values:

• Humility and mutual respect in our collaborations with external partners
• Equity – as a common objective both as an organization and in our work
• Prioritization of collective success through a culture of sharing
• Mentorship – to develop the next generation of investigators and leaders
• Recognition of all team members as contributors
• Balance in work and life – recognizing the tremendous value in both
• A can-do and creative attitude in all that we do

Application process

Interested candidates should apply via www.massgeneral.org/careers.

**When applying, please upload a cover letter and resume. Applications that do not include both components will NOT be considered.**

For more information regarding our group, please visit https://www.massgeneral.org/medicine/mpec.

Principal duties and responsibilities

Project coordination responsibilities

• Meet weekly with project directors and study team
• Collaborate with study team to define and meet enrollment goals, study procedures and reporting expectations, and maintain a study schedule. Delegating tasks as necessary.
• Engage with potential participants to gauge interest in study procedures and conduct consenting procedures
• Conduct participant visits as needed in their homes, potentially to include phlebotomy
• Obtain patient study data from medical records
• Maintain and enter data in a study REDCap database and conduct quality checks
• Serve as a liaison between various entities including study sponsors, scientific labs, couriers, phlebotomists, and participants, among others
• Act as a study resource for participants, their families, as well as colleagues
• Manage study logistics from scheduling with participants, arranging for delivery of study supplies, and preparing MD orders for signing
• Throughout project duration, plan, track, and report on project tasks, deliverables, milestones, responsible parties, timelines, etc.
• Proactively take steps to help others move forward, whether it is planning project-specific meetings, getting people to make decisions, bringing in additional resources, etc.
• Participate in identifying new staff, onboarding and training, as needed
• Procure study supplies and manage inventory to allow work without interruptions

Regulatory/compliance responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of Data Use Agreements, Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications, and related documents regarding the protection of human subjects
• Report adverse events in accordance with the protocol and the Partners Human Research Committee policies

Qualifications

Job qualifications required:

• 3+ years of experience in an academic, clinical research, or related setting
• Bachelor’s degree
• Rigorous academic and professional background
• Experience in clinical research is a must.

Job qualifications preferred:

• Master’s degree in public health, management, or related field
• Familiarity with health outcomes/epidemiology research, basic science, and/or community engagement

Desired skills/abilities/competencies

Technical skills

• Experience with clinical research administration and data management.
• Experience with research regulation and oversight (eg human subjects research, GCP, FDA, clinicltrials.gov)
• Phlebotomy training or willingness to be trained on the job.
• Experience with Microsoft applications (Word, Powerpoint, Excel)
• Understanding of data management and reporting
• Ability to keep excellent written records and adhere to timelines

Gets Results/Takes Initiative

• High personal work standards, sense of urgency about results, and a positive can-do attitude
• Problem-solving ability, including the ability to gather information, identify resources, and imagine alternatives, meticulous attention to detail
• Demonstrates initiative and creativity, even in ambiguous situations with limited direction
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and within short time constraints

Collaboration

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Able to understand, interpret, communicate, and train others on study protocols and data
• Build collaborative relationships both inside and outside the group.

This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee within this position. The actual duties, responsibilities and qualifications may vary based on need.

Working Conditions

Duties will be carried out primarily in a typical office environment. Evening or weekend work may be required. Ability to travel throughout the greater Boston area required.

In keeping with our overarching mission to reduce health and other disparities in vulnerable populations, the Medical Practice Evaluation Center is specifically committed to recruiting a diverse team of individuals across race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and ability backgrounds to ensure that our science is informed by and responsive to the communities we aim to serve. The Center strives to become a leader in developing and maintaining increased representation, recognition, and support of each of these dimensions of diversity among all of its members.

The above is intended to describe the general contents and requirements of work being performed by all people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all duties, responsibilities, or skills of personnel so classified.

Job ID #

3309124

Description

The Medical Practice Evaluation Center (MPEC) at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is seeking a highly motivated and creative individual to co-develop and implement a highly innovative collaborative clinical trial network in historically under-represented regions. In collaboration with partner sites and institutions across the globe, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, this initiative will establish a locally led trial network to lead science that will address research priorities for people in historically under-represented communities.

The Project Manager will play a key role in developing, organizing, and implementing the clinical trials network. This will include co-development of network governance structures with MGH and international investigators, establishing trial site regulatory standards, organization of network activities, developing milestones and deliverable plans, identifying and addressing administrative challenges, co-writing funding applications to support network activities, and maintaining smooth and efficient operations.

MPEC is a research center at MGH that informs health policy and transforms the care of underserved populations worldwide through clinically focused cost effectiveness, epidemiologic, and implementation research. MPEC is driven by a team of passionate and dedicated personnel from diverse backgrounds who exemplify professionalism, respect, and integrity in their work.

MPEC is unified by several core values:

• Humility and mutual respect in our collaborations with external partners
• Equity – as a common objective both as an organization and in our work
• Prioritization of collective success through a culture of sharing
• Mentorship – to develop the next generation of investigators and leaders
• Recognition of all team members as contributors
• Balance in work and life – recognizing the tremendous value in both
• A can-do and creative attitude in all that we do

Application process

Interested candidates should apply via www.massgeneral.org/careers.

**When applying, please upload a cover letter and resume. Applications that do not include both components will NOT be considered.**

For more information regarding our group, please visit https://www.massgeneral.org/medicine/mpec.

Principal duties and responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following activities: 

Project Management Responsibilities

• Meet weekly with project directors and monthly with site partners
• At the initiative outset, participate in the development of governance structures, establish project goals, deliverables, tasks, and timelines
• Throughout project duration, plan, track, and report on project tasks, deliverables, milestones, responsible parties, timelines, etc.
• Proactively take steps to help others move forward, whether it is planning project-specific meetings, getting people to make decisions, bringing in additional resources, etc.
• Serve as a liaison between team members at various US and international collaborative research sites
• Analyze, summarize, and present initiative results to project teams and external stakeholders

Regulatory/compliance responsibilities

• Assist in the development and assessment of clinical trial site research standards for the network in collaboration with clinical trial practitioners
• Support training of clinical trial sites to ensure compliance with network standards to include research integrity, documentation, and data management with subject-matter experts
• Assist with the preparation of Data Use Agreements, Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications, and related documents regarding the protection of human subjects

Development responsibilities

• Identify funding opportunities and support grant writing at MGH and partner sites
• Prepare and update professional reports, talks and communications for internal and external purposes
• Co-organize initiative meetings and events

Qualifications

Job qualifications required:

• 5+ years of experience in an academic, clinical research, or related setting
• Master’s degree in public health, public policy, management, or related field
• Rigorous academic and professional background including international work experience.
• Experience in clinical trial design and global experience is a must.

Job qualifications preferred:

• Experience with writing grants and submitting funding applications are desirable.
• Experience with graphic design and communications materials development is desirable.

Desired skills/abilities/competencies

Technical skills

• Experience with clinical trials management and administration
• Experience with research regulation and oversight (eg human subjects research, GCP, FDA, clinicltrials.gov)
• Experience with Microsoft applications (Word, Powerpoint, Excel)

Gets Results/Takes Initiative

• High personal work standards, sense of urgency about results, intellectual curiosity, and a positive can-do attitude
• Ability to anticipate the needs of the group in a fast-paced environment
• Problem-solving ability, including the ability to gather information, identify resources, and imagine alternatives, meticulous attention to detail
• Demonstrates initiative and creativity, even in ambiguous situations with limited direction
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and within short time constraints

Collaboration

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Build collaborative relationships both inside and outside the group.
• Ability to clarify and distill complex issues to a variety of stakeholders
• Cognizant and respectful of cultural differences in communication approach
• Ability to work successfully in a collaborative environment, including with international stakeholders
• Skilled in working with teams with different skillsets, work styles, and professional roles

This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee within this position. The actual duties, responsibilities and qualifications may vary based on need.

Working Conditions

Duties will be carried out primarily in a typical office environment. Evening or weekend work may be required. International travel of approximately two weeks at a time is expected.

In keeping with our overarching mission to reduce health and other disparities in vulnerable populations, the Medical Practice Evaluation Center is specifically committed to recruiting a diverse team of individuals across race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and ability backgrounds to ensure that our science is informed by and responsive to the communities we aim to serve. The Center strives to become a leader in developing and maintaining increased representation, recognition, and support of each of these dimensions of diversity among all of its members.

The above is intended to describe the general contents and requirements of work being performed by all people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all duties, responsibilities, or skills of personnel so classified.