Research Specialist I, Geriatrics

About the role

The New England Centenarian Study and Long Life Family Study, based at Boston University School of Medicine, seeks a Research Specialist (RS) to be responsible for collection and management of study participant data. This position will work both independently and as a member of a team to collect clinical data from study participants ages 18 to 110+ years during in-person home visits, telephone, and video visits.

The Research Specialist will receive standardized training in conducting and scoring the following measures and will work toward certification in these measures in order to perform them independently:

• Neuropsychological assessment
• Short Physical Performance Battery
• Vitals and anthropometry assessment
• Neuromotor exam
• Carotid ultrasound
• Blood sample processing
• Phlebotomy
• Video visit administration and technical troubleshooting

The Research Specialist will obtain vital signs measures, conduct cognitive testing, perform carotid ultrasounds, administer physical function assessments, troubleshoot technology, and draw blood (if interested) or coordinate phlebotomy and stool collection with lab agencies.

After each visit, the Research Specialist will score the cognitive data, process digital cognitive and physical function data, and assist with periodic data quality control efforts. The RS receives a list of data flagged for review and determines whether follow-up questions are required from the participant, whether the data were entered incorrectly, or whether the flagged values are valid data outside the typical range.

Additionally, the RS will obtain annual follow-up data via mailed and telephone-administered questionnaires.

Responsibilities

• Collect clinical data from study participants during in-person home visits, telephone, and video visits
• Administer and score neuropsychological assessments, physical performance tests, vitals, and other clinical measures
• Perform carotid ultrasounds and phlebotomy (or coordinate with lab agencies)
• Process and score cognitive and physical function data post-visit
• Conduct data quality control, resolving flagged data issues
• Obtain annual follow-up data via mailed and telephone-administered questionnaires
• Travel to participants' homes for offsite examinations and coordinate travel logistics
• Work independently with participants to perform assessments while ensuring their safety and comfort
• Gauge participant stamina and effort to determine when to terminate assessments

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• 1-3 years of relevant experience
• Previous phlebotomy experience is highly desirable (willingness to complete a phlebotomy course is acceptable)
• Spanish fluency is a plus

Pay

Expected hiring range: $48,075.00 – $60,625.00. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training, and internal pay comparison.

Schedule

• Monday–Friday, typically 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (varies to accommodate participants)
• Occasional Saturdays required (3-4 in Spring and 3-4 in Fall)
• Travel to participants' homes may be required