Job Description

Position: Research Assistant, OBGYN

Location: Boston, MA

Schedule: 32 hours per week, Hybrid (On-site 20 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.

Project RESPECT is an outpatient medical and recovery program for pregnant and post-pregnant persons with a history of substance use disorder (SUD) located within the OBGYN department at Boston Medical Center. Clinical services are delivered to patients by a multidisciplinary team of providers from medicine, behavioral health, nursing, peer coaching, and more.

Project RESPECT is seeking a research Assistant (RA) to support various research and quality improvement projects, as well as to support reducing barriers to care for the patient population through direct care initiatives.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under direct supervision of Project RESPECT Program Manager and Principal Investigator (PI), the research assistant will support various research and QI initiatives through approved techniques. This may include but is not limited to:

Research Support:

• Assist with maternal and newborn data collection across clinical settings.
• Conduct participant recruitment, informed consent, and enrollment for approved studies. Administer patient-reported outcome measures, questionnaires, and structured interviews.
• Abstract data from electronic medical records for analysis and reporting.
• Perform literature reviews and contribute to manuscript, abstract, and poster preparation for conferences and peer-reviewed publication.
• Assist the PI and research team in interpreting data and compiling progress reports.

Data & Administrative Operations:

• Maintain accurate and secure patient databases (e.g., REDCap, Excel).
• Support data entry for state-funded grant systems (e.g., AHP, ESM/EIM-VG).
• Coordinate patient appointments, follow-ups, and logistical supports (e.g., transportation).
• Provide administrative assistance for research-related meetings and scheduling. Prepare materials such as study flyers, data collection tools, and patient packets

Clinical Integration:

• Help foster a trauma-informed, patient-centered experience during research encounters.
• Collaborate with clinical teams to align data collection and patient engagement efforts.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to hospital standards of performance and compliance, including infection control and patient rights.
• Attend research and department meetings; provide regular study updates. Help prepare presentations, progress reports, and manuscripts.

Mission Alignment:

• Greet and support patients, families, and visitors with professionalism and compassion.
• Reflect Boston Medical Center’s values in all interactions and decision-making.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry,public health, psychology or other related fields

EXPERIENCE:

• Prior experience in clinical, academic, or public health research, especially in maternal-child health or behavioral health preferred
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with Excell, REDCap, Epic, or other clinical and research data platforms preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to health equity, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction principles.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of basic research principles, clinical trials, and human subjects research (e.g., IRB guidelines)
• Familiarity with maternal health, substance use disorders, and perinatal care preferred
• Working knowledge of HIPAA and patient confidentiality practices
• Understanding of social determinants of health and trauma-informed care is a plus
• Competency in conducting literature searches and summarizing findings

This position is grant funded through 6/2027. There may be opportunity beyond this grant funding for position integration into ongoing operations.

JOB BENEFITS:

• Competitive pay
• Tuition reimbursement and tuition remission programs
• Highly subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Career Advancement/Professional Development: Access a wealth of ongoing training and development opportunities that will not only enhance your skills but also expand your knowledge base especially for individuals pursuing careers in medicine or biomedical research.
• Pioneering Research: Engage in groundbreaking research projects that are driving the forefront of biomedical science.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

As the primary teaching hospital for Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and BU schools of public health and dentistry, intellectual rigor shapes our inquiries. Our research is led by a belief that skin color, zip code, and financial circumstances shouldn’t dictate health.

Boston Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to Talentacquisition@bmc.org or call 617-638-8582 to let us know the nature of your request.

Compensation Range:

$16.35- $22.84

This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, skills, and certifications/licensures as they directly relate to position requirements; as well as business/organizational needs, internal equity, and market-competitiveness. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), discretionary annual bonuses and merit increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family well-being.

NOTE This range is based on Boston-area data, and is subject to modification based on geographic location.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

According to the FTC, there has been a rise in employment offer scams. Our current job openings are listed on our website and applications are received only through our website. We do not ask or require downloads of any applications, or “apps” job offers are not extended over text messages or social media platforms. We do not ask individuals to purchase equipment for or prior to employment.