Research Assistant Specialist; Ophthalmology

Overview

Position: Research Assistant Specialist, Ophthalmology

Location: Boston, MA

Schedule: 40 hours per week

ABOUT BMC:

At Boston Medical Center (BMC), our diverse staff works together for one goal — to provide exceptional and equitable care to improve the health of the people of Boston. Our bold vision to transform health care is powered by our respect for our patients and our commitment to ensure everyone who comes through our doors has a positive experience.

You’ll find a supportive work environment at BMC, with rich opportunities throughout your career for training, development, and growth and where you’ll have the tools you need to take charge of your own practice environment.

The Ophthalmic Technician (OT) will assist in patient care activities detailed in the study protocol using approved techniques for research studies. The OT will be working with the investigators on protocols that will investigate abnormalities in the eye, including but not limited to: the cornea, conjunctiva, retina, glaucoma progression, and the effectiveness of various treatment methods. The OT is able to effectively perform appropriate clinical testing such as Visual Acuity Testing, Visual Field Testing, Lensometry, Auto Refractometry, Refractometry, Pupil Assessment, Extra Ocular Motility, Gross External Examination, Applanation Tonometry and tonopen and/or iCare eye drop instillation (non-certified personnel to be supervised by licensed person), and ocular imaging such as Fundus Photography and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

The OT also assists the clinical research manager in patient recruitment, coordinates research visits, abstracts medical records, maintains patient databases, enters data into specific data capture forms/portals, performs administrative tasks, assists in grant preparation, and participates with the research team in preparation of data and other reports.

• Ensuring smooth and efficient running of clinical trials as per good clinical practices (GCP) guidelines, and regulatory requirements, coordinating with the PI, research team, and clinic staff for completing research visits seamlessly.
• Perform various ophthalmology tests on research participants. Tests may include:
  Visual Field Testing, Lensometry, Auto Refractometry, Refractometry, Pupil Assessment, Extra Ocular Motility;
  Gross External Examination, Applanation Tonometry and tonopen and/or iCare eye drop instillation (non-certified personnel to be supervised by licensed person), and Ocular Imaging as per research protocol such as Fundus Photography, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), etc.
• Recruiting and screening potential participants, ensuring they meet study eligibility criteria.
• Obtaining informed consent from participants, explaining the study’s purpose, risks, and any potential benefits.
• Monitoring participant safety and well-being, reporting any adverse events to the PI and sponsor in consultation with the research manager.
• Collecting, documenting, and managing study data accurately and efficiently as per approved methods.
• Serving as a liaison between the research team, participants, and clinic staff for efficient communication.
• Providing training to research and clinical staff on study protocol and facilitate study certification tasks.
• Participates in staff meetings/initiatives including appropriate quality improvement and education activities, or if unable to attend non-mandatory activities, accepts responsibility to review meeting minutes and becomes knowledgeable of issues discussed.
• Assist in writing regulatory applications and submissions prior to initiating the research studies.
• Perform administrative duties associated with the study’s Data Monitoring and Safety Board, tracking and reporting adverse events and collecting data specified by the DMSB.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required)

Required

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Prefer…