Research Data Specialist - Thoracic Oncology

Overview

The Research Data Specialists will support the Thoracic Oncology 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 Research Data Specialist will be responsible for the collection, management, and quality assurance review of patient clinical data.

The Research Data Specialist will play a key role in supporting the Thoracic Oncology ctDNA/EQUAL Study, which aims to develop and pilot a cutting-edge plasma circulating free DNA (cfDNA) screening assay for diagnosing EGFR-positive lung cancer. This study focuses on individuals who are not eligible for routine lung cancer screening, particularly non-smoking East Asian and Hispanic/Latinx populations at risk for the disease. The data specialist will oversee critical aspects of sample management, including de-identification, transportation, and coordination of processing and testing.

Key responsibilities include remotely consenting patients from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and its satellite locations, arranging mobile phlebotomy for sample collection, ensuring proper documentation, and tracking samples until they are delivered to the Belfer Center for testing. On-site duties at the main campus will involve coordinating mobile phlebotomy, receiving study samples, de-identifying them, and ensuring their timely transport to the appropriate testing facilities.

This role is integral to the success of the EQUAL project, which uniquely serves Latinx and East Asian patient populations. Fluency in Spanish & English is strongly preferred to support effective communication and engagement with participants.

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

• Responsible for reviewing and abstracting the medical records for research patients on trials they are assigned.
• Entering identified clinical data points in the corresponding database.
• Ensuring that data is entered within the outlined timelines for each trial.
• Assisting research teams with the development, testing and implementation of Case Reports Forms for PI-Initiated clinical trials.
• 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.

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.