Clinical Research Laboratory Roles

From the pioneering public demonstration of the use of ether for anesthesia to current breakthroughs in genetics and molecular biology, MGH has always aggressively explored the diagnosis, cause, treatment, and prevention of human disease.

There are a continuum of clinical research opportunities within MGH community. We work to explore preferred relationships with pharmaceutical and biotech communities, link industry to physicians for consulting, advisory board seats, and trials, provide outcomes and disease management expertise, support the administration of clinical trials and negotiate clinical trial agreements.

Clinical Research at MGH offers varied therapeutic areas, large and well-characterized patient populations, top investigators and thought leaders, highly skilled study coordinators and state-of-the-art facilities.

Click here to learn more about the current clinical trials and the Latest Discoveries in Clinical Research at MGH.

Below is a listing of the various roles available in clinical research. Please carefully read the responsibilities and requirements for each position. These descriptions will help you in finding the right fit when searching our site for available positions:

Clinical Research Assistant I
Files, enters data, Xeroxes, and performs minimal word processing. Orders supplies, schedules study appointments, processes checks and sets up meetings. Escorts patients to appointments. Ships and stores specimens. Works under close supervision and regularly receives reviews of work progress. Must exhibit careful attention to details, good organizational skills, ability to follow directions, good communication and word processing skills. High school diploma required, Associate's degree preferred. No experience required.

Clinical Research Assistant II
Above duties plus: collects and organizes patient data. Maintains records and databases. Uses software programs to generate graphs and reports. Assists with recruiting patients for clinical trials. Obtains patient study data from medical records, physicians, etc. Conducts library searches. Must be computer literate and knowledgeable of clinical research protocols. BA/BS required. Previous relevant course or project work required.

Clinical Research Coordinator I
Above duties plus: verifies accuracy of study forms, updates study forms per protocol, and maintains study codes. Prepares data for analysis and data entry. Assists with formal audits of data, documents patient visits and procedures and updates binders; assists with QA/QC procedures. Assists with interviewing study subjects. Administers and scores questionnaires. Provides basic explanation of study. Performs study procedures such as phlebotomy, EKG, halter monitor, etc. Assists with study regulator submissions, writes consent forms and verifies subject inclusion/exclusion criteria. May assist with the training and orienting of new staff. Must be able to work independently and as a team member. Must demonstrate a respect and professionalism for subjects' rights and individual needs. BA/BS required. Prior healthcare and/or research experience preferred.

Clinical Research Coordinator II
Above duties plus: maintains research data, patient files regulatory binders and study databases. Performs data analysis and QA/QC data checks and may develop systems for QA/QC, organizes and interprets data. Independently judges suitability of research subjects, develops and implements recruitment strategies, and acts as a study resource for patients and families. Monitors and evaluates lab and procedure data, administers, scores and evaluates study questionnaires. Acts as a liaison between Research Affairs and Unit, files adverse events with the IRB, and prepares for annual review. Recommends protocol changes and may assist with writing protocols and manuscripts, works with Principle Investigator (PI) to prepare complete study reports. May supervise staff in lower level positions. Must demonstrate analytical skills and ability to resolve technical problems, the ability to interpret acceptability of data results and working knowledge of data management programs. BA/BS required. A minimum of 1-2 years related experience required.

Senior Clinical Research Coordinator
Above duties plus: responsible for quality control, reviews work of trainees, develops study budgets and coordinates lab activities. Plans, performs and designs statistical analyses. Designs research protocols in conjunction with PI. Responsible for training, orienting and assessing new staff. Provides direct supervision to staff in lower level positions. Must demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to work independently and display initiative to introduce innovations to research study. Must have the ability to prepare and monitor budgets, to identify problems and develop solutions, prioritize tasks and set deadlines. BA/BS required, MA/MS/MPH preferred. A minimum of 3-5 years of directly related experience required. Prior supervisory experience preferred.

Clinical Research Program/Project Manager
Above duties plus: writes operations manuals, prepares CRS and edits manuscripts. Supervises operations of all study staff, serves as a resource for patients and staff, and monitors drug accountability logs. Coordinates multi-center trials with NIH, FDA and private foundations. Oversees all study-meeting plans. Reports study progress at investigators' meetings. Takes minutes at central meetings/conference calls and disburses information to investigators/sponsors, and attends conferences. Responsible for management of all personnel. Must demonstrate the ability to make independent and effective decisions. Must have strong organizational and communication skills. A demonstrated ability to supervise and train staff effectively is necessary. Strong database management and overall computer skills, demonstrated analytical skills to problem solve effectively and strong budget management skills are all necessary. BS/BA required, MS/MA/MPH preferred. A minimum of 5 years of research experience and prior supervisory experience required.

Senior Clinical Research Program/Project Manager
Above duties plus: Develops detailed protocol documents that meet Federal/Institutional standards. Ensures study design's compatibility with clinical practices. Provides critical input as to feasibility of study design and available resources. Ensures document consistency and conducts on and off-site training sessions to appropriate audiences. Attends meetings and scientific conferences. May be responsible for developing/managing the clinical trial's operating and capital budgets. Coordinates and implements research design process at multiple sites. Has direct and indirect supervision of the clinical trial's staff. The ideal candidate must demonstrate the qualities listed above as well as excellent judgment and ability to interpret information and protocol requirements and an aptitude for technical problem solving. Incumbent must also have a strong working knowledge of NIH contract procedures and funding policies. MA/MS/MPH or PhD required. A minimum of 7 years progressively more responsible experience in a research-related field and supervisory experience with a financial management background required.