RESEARCH SPECIALIST 1, School of Medicine, Geriatrics

Full-time, regular position based in Boston, MA.

About the role

The New England Centenarian Study and Long Life Family Study at Boston University School of Medicine seeks a Research Specialist to collect and manage study participant data. This role involves working both independently and as part of a team to gather clinical data from participants aged 18 to 110+ through in-person home visits, telephone, and video visits.

Responsibilities

• Receive standardized training and work toward certification in administering and scoring measures, including:
  • Neuropsychological assessments
  • Short Physical Performance Battery
  • Vitals and anthropometry assessments
  • Neuromotor exams
  • Carotid ultrasound
  • Blood sample processing and phlebotomy
  • Video visit administration and technical troubleshooting
• Obtain vital signs, conduct cognitive testing, perform carotid ultrasounds, and administer physical function assessments.
• Troubleshoot technology during visits and, if interested, draw blood or coordinate phlebotomy and stool collection with lab agencies.
• Score cognitive data and process digital cognitive and physical function data after each visit.
• Assist with periodic data quality control efforts, review flagged data, determine follow-up needs, and resolve errors or validate out-of-range data.
• Obtain annual follow-up data via mailed and telephone-administered questionnaires.
• Work one-on-one with participants without supervision to perform assessments, ensuring participant safety and maximal performance.
• Gauge participant stamina and effort to determine when to terminate assessments.
• Travel to participants' homes for offsite examinations and coordinate travel logistics for multiple visits.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 1–3 years of experience required.
• Previous phlebotomy experience is highly desirable; willingness to complete a phlebotomy course is acceptable.
• Spanish fluency is a plus.
• Position is in-person with some travel, including occasional overnight trips and mostly day trips.

Schedule

• Monday–Friday, typically 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, with varying hours to accommodate participants.
• Occasional Saturdays required (3–4 in spring and 3–4 in fall).

Pay

Expected hiring range: $48,075.00 – $60,625.00. The salary of the finalist will be set based on factors including departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training, and internal pay comparison.