Harvard University Hiring for Research Assistant I Non-Lab at Boston, MA Full Time

The mission of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is to improve human health through better nutrition and lifestyle. The Department strives to accomplish this goal through research aimed at an increased understanding of how diet influences health at molecular and population levels, the development of nutritional strategies, informing policy, the education of researchers and practitioners, and the dissemination of nutrition information to health professionals and the public.

A Research Assistant is needed to conduct administrative aspects of the Harvard Dietary Biomarkers Intervention Core, a two phase clinical feeding trial. The Dietary Biomarkers trial will conduct parmokokinetic and dose response investigations to discover and characterize biomarkers of dietary intake which ultimately can be used in population-based studies of diet and disease and for determining adherence in diet intervention trials. As a key member of the trial team, the Research Assistant will report to the Project Manager and the Principal Investigator, and collaborate with the team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, data managers, and clinical research specialists. The Research Assistant will be responsible for conducting measurement visits with subjects, maintaining compliance with research regulations, keeping data organized, and coordinating day-to-day activities.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Collaborate with the Principal Investigators and other support staff in the development and implementation, both internally and externally, of the study
• Work with Investigators and Research Managers to develop and implement effective patient recruitment, diet adherence, and retention strategies
• Responsible for scheduling appointments, food pickups, and ensuring the subjects continue to meet established criteria
• Initiates and maintains necessary contact with enrolled participants. Coordinates and conducts clinic visits, performing necessary clinical and laboratory tests/measurements
• Communicates effectively with support staff in all areas of research
• Maintains study files for participants. This includes consent forms, labs, and data forms according to established protocol
• Cooperates with the Data Coordinating Center in data collection for the study database. Responsible for data validation and quality control
• Responsible for training and orienting new staff in conjunction with the project manager
• Communicates research status updates effectively with the nursing, clerical, and support staff
• Other duties as required

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of one year from the date of hire, with the possibility for extension.

PLEASE NOTE: This position will be required to pass an occupational health screening.

PLEASE NOTE: Position may require light local travel within the Boston area.

PLEASE NOTE: The primary work location for this position is Boston, MA and in order to be on Harvard payroll, you must reside in one of the following states – MA, NH, RI, ME, CT, VT, NY, or MD. Until our return to campus and full operational status, which is still to-be-determined, this interview process and position will take place in a slightly modified manner – including virtual interviews and a combination of remote and on-site onboarding and work. On-campus/in-person work is expected, though, upon start date – in accordance with approved COVID-related guidelines and protocols.

• 1+ years of related experience required; a combination of experience and education may be considered

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience exercising independent judgement within a research setting
• Experience demonstrating professionalism and respect for subject’s rights and individual needs
• Experience working with study participants
• Excellent interpersonal skills for working with study participants
• Dietetics or Nutrition degree or course work
• Knowledge of data management programs
• Excellent organization skills with experience prioritizing a variety of tasks
• Experience working independently, including using sound judgement in research methodologies
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• High degree of computer literacy
• Strong attention to detail

The following cultural competencies are also preferred:

• Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments
• Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3-4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12+ paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: Excellent and affordable medical, dental & vision plans, with coverage beginning as of an employee’s start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance & Reimbursement Programs: $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School, discounted options through participating Harvard graduate schools, and reimbursement options for accredited schools outside of Harvard.
• Transportation: 50% discount on MBTA passes, as well as additional options (rideshare, biking, etc.) to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness & Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, hard & soft skills development, career planning, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services. Additionally, access to Harvard athletic facilities, libraries, campus events – and many discounts for various cultural and leisure activities throughout metro Boston.

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

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• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage.

Research

USA – MA – Boston

403109 Research Assistant I Non-Lab

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Nutrition

Full-time

052

55 – Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Identity

At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, we believe that diversity is integral to the Harvard experience and our mission of improving public health education, research and policy. Diversity of cultural backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world enriches our community and enables us to best meet the public health needs of the United States and the world. Ongoing learning and development related to diversity allows for both individual and institutional growth, and is necessary to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion. To achieve this, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to opportunities for learning, living, and working at the Harvard Chan School. We maintain an unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging as core to our institutional values and to actively counter, minimize, and address racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, gender bias, and all forms of discrimination.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values and our diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.