Research Data Specialist - Breast Oncology Cohort Studies Program

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Brookline, MA

Overview

The Research Data Specialist (RDS) will support the Breast Oncology Cohort Studies program under the auspices of the Principal Investigators, Director, and Research Manager, in the areas of clinical data collection and collation of biospecimens - specifically related to patients with germline mutations in the Department of Breast Oncology. Duties may include but are not limited to; the examination, synthesis, and evaluation of medical records; the abstraction and recording of pertinent medical information; and the organization and collation of biospecimens collected within cohort studies. Position will work with investigators working on research studies focused on germline mutations (e.g. BRCA1/2) within Breast Oncology. Additional responsibilities will include the following:

Reviewing and abstracting the medical records for patients, entering the clinical data into the databases supporting the cohort studies within Breast Oncology, and 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 caTissue, REDCap and other study databases. 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. Responsible for coordination and completion of essential regulatory documentation (e.g. protocol, material transfer agreement, and/or data use agreement) needed for access, use and transfer of samples to outside collaborators.

This is a hybrid position requiring remote & onsite days per week. The selected candidate must reside and work remotely in a New England State (MA, ME, NH, CT, RI, VT).

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.

  • Disease Based RDS positions:
  • 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.
  • CRIS RDS 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
  • Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) RDS 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

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
  • Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize workload
  • Must practice discretion and always adhere to institutional confidentiality guidelines
  • Must have computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

The position requires a bachelor’s degree or 1 year of experience as a Dana-Farber Associate Research Data Specialist. Experience of 0-1 years in a medical, scientific research, or technology-oriented business environment is preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

PATIENT CONTACT:

Yes, all ages.

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 committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate 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.

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Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$50,500.00 - $56,700.00
Posted 2026-01-01

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