Research Specialist I, Geriatrics

The New England Centenarian Study and Long Life Family Study, based at Boston University School of Medicine seeks a Research Specialist (RS)to be responsible for collection and management of study participant data. This position will work both independently and as a member of a team to collect clinical data from study participants ages 18 to 110+ years during in-person home visits, telephone, and video visits. The Research Specialist will receive standardized training in conducting and scoring the following measures and will work toward certification in these measures in order to perform them independently.

 

The Research Specialist will be trained and certified in administration of the neuropsychological assessment, Short Physical Performance Battery, vitals and anthropometry assessment, neuromotor exam, carotid ultrasound, blood sample processing, phlebotomy, and video visit administration and technical troubleshooting, as needed by the study. They will obtain vital signs measures, conduct cognitive testing, perform carotid ultrasounds, administer physical function assessments, troubleshoot technology, and draw blood, if interested, or coordinate phlebotomy with lab agencies. After each visit, the research specialist will score the cognitive data, process digital cognitive and physical function data and will assist with periodic data quality control efforts. 

 

The RS receives a list of data that have been flagged for review. The RS determine whether follow up questions are required from the participant and collect the necessary information to resolve the error, whether the data were entered incorrectly, or whether the flagged values are valid data outside the typical range. Additionally, the RS will obtain annual follow-up data via mailed and telephone-administered questionnaires.

 

The RS works one-on-one with participants without supervision to perform assessments and collect data. The RA independently determines the best engagement methods to achieve the participant's maximal performance while ensuring their safety and gauges the participant's stamina and effort to determine when to terminate the assessments.