Position: Epidemiology Projects Manager

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Description: Under the direction of the Principal Investigators, the Epidemiology Projects Manager oversees the implementation of several HIV primary and secondary research protocols, including epidemiological cohort studies, psychosocial interventions, and behavioral interventions within the context biomedical trials.

Representative Duties:

  1. Manages Implementation of Research Studies
  • Assesses site needs for study start-up and takes initiative to prepare site for study operations and procedures according to protocol and sponsor guidelines
  • Provides direct supervision to Research Assistant(s) to ensure that all required study procedures are complete and accurate
  • Coordinates and oversees day-to-day operations of study protocols including recruitment/retention, study visits, data storage and monitoring and other study activities as needed
  • Develops and manages data collection and management tools, providing support and training to study staff as needed
  • Oversees management of study specific documents according to guidelines of the Fenway Institutional Review Board (IRB), NIH and/or study sponsor
  • Develops and revises study budgets and coordinates review by Investigators and submission to finance department and study sponsors
  • Makes purchases on behalf of the study, manages study spending and expenses and ensures spending is in line with study budget
  • Represents the study team and Fenway Health on conference calls, meetings and trainings when appropriate
  1. Administers Interventions
  • Conducts Couples HIV Counseling and Testing (CHCT), implements dyadic adherence counseling intervention, and oversees protocol sponsored mobile applications
  • Conducts behavioral interviews and focus groups with study participants in a clear, non-judgmental context
  • Conducts pre and post-test HIV and STI counseling and testing with study participants; completes relevant MA state certification
  • Maintains guidelines of confidentiality and ethical accountability in all discourse with participants
  1. Assists in Recruitment, Screening, Interviewing of Study Participants and Retention.
  • Works with study staff to identify creative measures for reaching potential study participants
  • Oversees and partakes in recruitment efforts to reach recruitment goals, as well as retention efforts to ensure sample size overtime.
  • Assists in the training and oversight of study staff and implementation of study visits including the administration of informed consents and assessments and the collection/management of participant data as needed
  1. Oversees Regulatory Procedures and Assists in Development of Study Materials
  • Performs quality control and assurance checks of study documents and assures that corrections are made per site operating procedures
  • Maintains study participant accountability records according to protocol and communicates necessary changes or activities to study staff and investigators
  • Drafts and edits study materials including protocol, protocol summary, recruitment and screening materials, intervention and control manuals, study specific protocols, etc.
  • Supports study staff in the development Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions and provides annual reports according to both Fenway IRB policies and procedures
  • Maintains regulatory documents per sponsor and agency guidelines
  1. Manages Relationship with Study Sponsor and Investigators
  • Maintains regular communication with Principle Investigators, Co-investigators and collaborators
  • Develops and disseminates recruitment, enrollment and study progress reports
  • Develops and disseminates timely reports on serious adverse events and other critical study information to study investigator and others
  • Assists with logistics of study team meetings and conference calls
  1. Assists in the Development of Research Projects and Publication of Study Findings
  • Assists investigators with the publication of research findings: entering, cleaning and analyzing data; drafting and editing manuscripts, abstracts and conference posters and presentations; presents at local and national conferences and meetings on study findings. Assists with the submission of scientific journal manuscripts, including formatting of text and tables, references
  • Maintains current knowledge of HIV research by reading medical journals, articles and other HIV-related publications, attending conferences, seminars, forums, trainings, and other presentations pertinent to the field
  • Provides grant writing support as needed

 

Project Manager Expectations:

  • Ability to take responsibility for assignments and deadlines, work independently, multi-task and work as part of a team
  • Demonstrate superior knowledge of regulatory procedures, study procedures and research- related activities, providing training/assistance to junior staff or other Epidemiology team members as needed
  • Serve as role model to other study staff, demonstrating professionalism, accountability, and dedication to the project and team at all times
  • Maintain a positive attitude, be adaptable to a variety of situations, and be prepared to partake in all aspects of the project as needed
  • Works successfully under pressure, understand and follow policies and procedures, and accommodates and successfully adapts to change
  • Handle confidential materials with discretion
  • Engage in appropriate and regular communication with Investigators and team to ensure accountability, prevent conflict, and maintain healthy team dynamics
  • Acts as point of contact and liaison between TFI administration such as Director of Clinical Research and the rest of the Epidemiology Team

Position Requirements:       

  • Bachelor’s degree and MA/MS or MPH in epidemiology, psychology, or behavioral and social science aspects of public health (or equivalent degree in a related field)
  • Demonstrated background in HIV prevention research and/or work experience with gay and bisexual men, transgender individuals, and other marginalized groups.
  • Prior experience working on federally funded research studies
  • Graduate training in quantitative and/or qualitative methods, data analysis, and SAS programming
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills
  • Superior computer skills (Microsoft Word, Power-Point, Excel, Email) with the competence to master new software applications and technologies
  • Ability to work harmoniously with diverse groups of individuals for recruitment into research studies, including sexual minority populations who are at risk for HIV

Preferred:

  • Previous experience developing and carrying out recruitment efforts with hard to reach populations
  • Knowledge of gay and bisexual male and transgender female communities in the Boston-area
  • Experience working in an ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse environment

EOE Statement:

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

About the Organization:

The mission of Fenway Health is to enhance the wellbeing of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and all people in our neighborhoods and beyond through access to the highest quality health care, education, research and advocacy.

In 2013, Fenway Health announced a historic partnership with AIDS Action Committee that allows the two organizations to work more closely together and improve delivery of care and services to people living with HIV/AIDS.

AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts is a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS, advocating at the city, state, and federal levels for fair and effective AIDS policies, conducting cutting edge HIV prevention programs, and providing health and wellness services to people already living with HIV. Founded in 1983, AIDS Action is New England’s largest AIDS service organization.