Research Data Specialist - Breast Oncology

Overview

The Research Data Specialists (RDS) will support the clinical research program in the areas of data collection, computing, and database organization. Duties include the examination, synthesis, and evaluation of medical records; the abstraction and recording of pertinent medical information; and the monitoring of patient status. The Data Specialist will be responsible for the collection, management, and quality assurance review of patient clinical data. The following RDS responsibilities are specific to the Breast Oncology department:

• Reviews and abstracts the medical records for patients. Entering the clinical data into the databases supporting the cohort studies within Breast Oncology.
• Ensures the proper entry of biospecimens into tracking systems across cohort studies.
• Retrieves archival tissue samples at outside institutions when relevant for translational studies.
• Coordinates the collection, processing, organization, and storage of biological specimens (including, but not limited to tissue, blood and stool) including maintenance of the specimen tracking systems in Open Specimen, RedCap and other study databases.
• Identifies and organizes samples for translational studies by completing manifests, labelling, and other required tasks and documentation needed to facilitate research.
• Responsible for coordination of linkage of data to provide clinical annotation with the biospecimens.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities

For Clinical Research Information Services (CRIS) positions:

• Evaluating and tracking the eligibility of all patients seen in the clinic for inclusion in the study.
• May assist or be responsible for consenting eligible patients in clinic.
• Maintaining on-going communications with Information Services and physicians and staff for data collection needs.
• Reviewing and abstracting the medical records for patients. Entering the clinical data into the Clinical Research Information Systems (CRIS).
• Accessing patient demographic and clinical information from the clinical systems. Entering information into the database.
• Reviewing data for quality and completeness using reporting software.
• Collaborating with principal investigators, IS staff, and clinic staff in the continued development of the CRIS system.
• Assist principal investigators and staff in the creation of data reports for quality assurance measures.
• Coordinates the collection, processing, organization, and storage of biological specimens including maintenance of electronic specimen tracking systems (STIP) and laboratory binders.
• May be responsible for IRB and regulatory submissions and maintenance of regulatory files.

For Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) positions:

• Support the clinical programs with outcomes data collection, reporting, analysis and audits.
• Ensures timely reporting to internal and external outcomes data repositories, including national repositories when required by regulatory requirements and U.S. law.
• Ensure case management documentation in patient medical records and other information management systems as assigned to support clinical program clinical care.
• Perform QA and QC procedures to ensure optimal data reporting as assigned.
• Develop knowledge of specialized data sources specific to outcomes data reporting, including routine reaching out to offsite providers to obtain information from medical records at outside sites of care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or 1 year of Dana-Farber Associate Research Data Specialist experience required.

• 0-1 years’ experience working in a medical or scientific research setting or comparable technology orientated business environment preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Excellent organizational and communication skills required.
• Strong interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and external contacts.
• Must be detail oriented and have the ability to follow-through.
• Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize workload.
• Must practice discretion and adhere to institutional confidentiality guidelines at all times.
• Must have computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.