We seek an organized, highly motivated, full-time Clinical Research Coordinator I (CRC) to join our Dystonia Partners Research Bank team in the Department of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital. The Dystonia Partners Research Bank (DPRB) is a long-term research program designed to help neurological healthcare providers and scientists understand the natural history of dystonia, related movement disorders, and neurological conditions and how genes and other factors affect people with dystonia. People with dystonia have involuntary, sustained muscle contractions that cause twisting, repetitive movements, and abnormal postures.

Under the DPRB protocol, we ask subjects with neurological movement disorders to provide cross-sectional and longitudinal medical and family history information, neurological examination(s) and tissue samples to be used in wide-ranging research applications. Our core team includes 4 Neurologists, with our PI, Nutan Sharma, M.D., Ph.D., 2 Research Coordinators, a Clinical Research Fellow, a Staff Assistant, and a Clinical Research Program Manager/Genetic Counselor. Many scientists working with the DPRB investigate genetic and cellular mechanisms associated with dystonias. The first gene (DYT1/TOR1A) associated with early-onset generalized dystonia was identified by scientists at MGH.

The CRC's primary responsibility is to independently recruit and enroll people with X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism, dystonia-related movement disorders, and their family members. Enrollment and the research visit entail completing the informed consent process, collecting medical history, and creating pedigrees, which may take place remotely. Administering neurological motor examinations with motion sensors and performing phlebotomy take place at Mass General and Brigham and Women's hospitals and, occasionally, at subject home visits.

In addition to working directly with subjects and their family members during research visits, the CRC identifies needs and communicates with research study staff, clinician-researchers, and research scientists. The CRC is responsible for input of research data, management of biological samples, and support of other research project operations as needed.

This is an excellent foundation for someone interested in pursuing graduate school in medicine, public health, or clinical research. There are ample opportunities to observe patient care and enhance understanding of genetic research. The ideal candidate must be self-motivated, mature, and responsible with excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills. You must be able to work independently in a dynamic environment, organize and prioritize multiple tasks, and seek assistance when appropriate.

The principal duties and responsibilities of the Clinical Research Coordinator I (CRC):

Recruitment

1. Screens potential subjects based on eligibility criteria through medical records and phone/email inquiries for inclusion and optional research procedures
2. Recruits subjects from among neurologists' patients, through advertisements and at special events
3. Schedules research visits and documents all subject contact related to recruitment in accordance with established research protocols

Enrollment and Research Visit

1. Verifies subjects' inclusion/exclusion criteria
2. Completes subject enrollment through the informed consent process that meets protocol and regulatory guidelines
3. Obtains research data through subject interviews, medical records and/or clinicians, including movement disorders focused medical history, family history with pedigree, and other research procedures, as needed
4. Videotapes standardized movement disorders examination
5. Performs phlebotomy and assists with collection of other biospecimen

Additional Responsibilities

1. Reviews accuracy of research data sheets and sample collection to ensure consistency and compliance with research protocols
2. Transports tissue samples between collection site, processing site, and MGH laboratories
3. Completes research data entry and maintains research computer database.
4. Tracks sample processing including outcomes, storage location, and genetic test results
5. Acts as liaison between clinical research program manager, principal investigator, research study staff, researchers, and subjects to coordinate daily operations of assigned research study(s).
6. Assists with regulatory binders, IRB protocol submission, and quality assurance/quality improvement (QA/QI).
7. Performs administrative support duties as required.

• Knowledge of clinical research process
• Careful attention to detail
• Good organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize
• Adherence to protocol and regulatory guidelines
• Work requires initiative taking. Must be a self-starter and finisher.
• Good communication skills ensure smooth operations and effectively resolve with conflicts or issues.
• Ability to elicit decisions while demonstrating respect and professionalism for subjects' rights and individual needs
• Fluency with Microsoft-based software such as Excel, Word, Teams, and Outlook to process data and enhance communication.
• Ability to adapt to new situations and temperaments as the need arises

Experience: Relevant course or project work is preferred but not required. Previous clinical research experience, including work with research subjects, collection of clinical data, and/or familiarity with IRB requirements and regulatory documentation, is preferred but not required.

The candidate will work in Building 114 in the Charlestown Navy Yard campus of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in which we share office space with the MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease (MIND) and other scientists studying neurological disease.

Job requires weekly travel to the MGH main campus and MGB outpatient neurology clinics and occasional travel to Harvard hospitals throughout Boston or other locations for DPRB recruitment, research visits, and meetings.

Job requires performance of duties that involve potential for exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.

Innovative and dynamic culture involving teamwork with neurologists, laryngologists, genetic counselors, geneticists, and basic scientists.

Job encourages the suggestion of new and improved ways to optimize daily operations. After 12 - 18 months of exemplary work, there is a potential for promotion to CRCII.

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.