Undergraduate Co op Research Assistant BWH Sleep Medicine

The Undergraduate Co-op Research Assistant assists in the execution of research protocols for the Circadian Physiology Program in the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH). Responsibilities include direct monitoring of and interaction with study participants, administration of computerized neurobehavioral tests, collection of multiple frequent biological specimens, monitoring data collection equipment, and adherence to study protocols. The Co-op will work in the offices of the Circadian Physiology Program to train in new skills, manage and assist with processing data, assist with study participant recruitment and screening, and assist with other study related duties as needed. When scheduling permits, the Co-op may attend Journal Club meetings or scientific presentations for 1-2 hours per week.

1. Carries out specialized experimental activities for Circadian Physiology Program studies carried out at the BWH Center for Clinical Investigation, including, but not limited to, light exposure sessions, constant routines, monitored wake.

2. Collects and processes biological specimens: certified by laboratory standardized testing to collect and prepare urine and saliva samples for later assay; assist with transport, sorting, and processing of specimen including blood, saliva, urine.

3. Administers and organizes neurobehavioral tests: Monitors computer-controlled administration of neurobehavioral tests; recovers computers after system failures with minimal supervision; administers written tests and questionnaires.

1. Assists in the preparation of paper documents, study suites, computer software and hardware for studies, and data collection/monitoring devices. Checks online data collection systems for quality control. Explains laboratory policies to subjects.

5. Assists in the execution of remote and survey studies, including posting recruitment advertisements for participants, scheduling automated survey invitations, monitoring subject compliance and survey completion.

6. Assists study team in recruitment and screening of potential participants in laboratory studies, including placing advertisements online and through the mail; sending information about studies to potential participants via email or mail; screening prospective participants for study participation through assessment of online screening survey responses or conducting phone screening questionnaires; scheduling screening visits.

7. Assists in preparing data exports and graphs; enters and validates data; carries out literature searches; prepares study instruments, equipment, and/or materials, or other tasks needed for study execution. Conducts inventory of supplies and equipment to maintain stocks of supplies.

1. Follows all standard operating procedures for the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, as well as the Center for Clinical Investigation. Follows Infection Control, Electrical Safety and other guidelines as mandated by OSHA, and follows Human Research guidelines as mandated by DHHS.

9. Acts as a liaison between Circadian Physiology Program staff, Investigators, hospital staff, CCI staff, subject recruiters, and research subjects to identify areas for quality and workflow improvements.

10. Performs all other laboratory duties and projects as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Describe the conditions in which the work is performed.

Evenings, overnights, and weekend shifts will be required. Holidays may be required.

Busy clinical research environment. Timing of study events is critical.

Occasional intense periods of work associated with scientific deadlines.

Potential exposure to blood-borne disease through contact with biological specimens.

None

None

Work Environment:

1. High school graduate with at least one year of college credits required.

2. Current college undergraduate. Prefer individuals in science or patient-care majors and interested in scientific research.

3. Strongly prefer individuals with prior customer service experience.

1. Good interpersonal skills, able to maintain positive working relationships with co-workers and to work cooperatively with peers, able to perform their role in a team effort.

2. Good organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage time efficiently.

3. Ability to continually learn new technical skills and update existing skills.

4. Good communication and reasoning skills.

5. Able to function appropriately under time constraints. Initiative and sound judgment are displayed in unexpected situations.

6. Ability to follow directions and SOPs carefully, and once trained to work with a minimum of direct supervision.

7. Demonstrates professionalism and maturity.

BWH is an Affirmative Action 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.