Clinical Research Assistant

As a Clinical Research Assistant at The General Hospital Corporation, your main responsibilities will include organizing and maintaining patient records and databases, scheduling appointments, managing confidential information, and coordinating diagnostic testing and referrals. Additionally, you may be involved in assisting with patient recruitment for clinical trials and collecting essential patient study data from various sources.

For the Clinical Research Assistant position at Mass General Brigham, the minimum qualification is a High School Diploma or equivalent. The role does not accept experience in lieu of a degree, and while 0-1 year of knowledge in clinical research protocols is preferred, what matters most is your attention to detail and strong communication skills.

While some experience is preferred, it is not strictly necessary for the Clinical Research Assistant role at The General Hospital Corporation. What we value most is your willingness to learn, your attention to detail, and strong organizational skills that will help you succeed in this pivotal role.

At Mass General Brigham, Clinical Research Assistants may have the opportunity to participate in research protocols, depending on their interests and the needs of the research team. This means you might be involved in some fascinating clinical trials, provided you meet the necessary requirements and there's availability.

Key skills for a Clinical Research Assistant at The General Hospital Corporation include careful attention to detail, strong organizational and communication skills, and a foundational knowledge of clinical research protocols. Being able to manage confidential patient information and multitask effectively is also vital for success in this role.

When answering this question, express your passion for healthcare and research. Discuss how the opportunity to contribute to innovative medical research and improve patient care aligns with your career goals, and highlight any specific aspects of Mass General Brigham’s mission that resonate with you.

To respond effectively, share a specific strategy you use for prioritizing tasks, such as creating a daily schedule or using a task management tool. Mention your adaptability in shifting priorities as needed based on patient needs or project deadlines, emphasizing your organizational skills and ability to remain focused under pressure.

In your answer, discuss a specific instance where you actively ensured the confidentiality and protection of sensitive information. Share the importance of privacy regulations and how you implemented thorough organizational practices to maintain confidentiality while collecting and managing data.

When discussing this question, emphasize your attention to detail and systematic approach. Explain the checks and balances you implement, such as double-checking data entries or cross-referencing with medical records to maintain accuracy and minimize errors.

To answer this, describe any relevant coursework, internships, or hands-on experience you've had with clinical research. Even if your experience is limited, discuss your eagerness to learn more about research protocols and how that aligns with the role of a Clinical Research Assistant.

In your response, highlight your communication skills and emphasize the importance of empathy and active listening when approaching patient recruitment. Discuss strategies you've employed or would use to make patients feel comfortable and informed about the clinical trial process.

Provide an example where you successfully communicated complex information, perhaps in a previous role or during a team project. Emphasize your ability to break down intricate concepts into relatable terms, ensuring clarity and understanding for your audience.

When answering, list software programs like spreadsheets, database management systems, or specific clinical research software you are comfortable using. Mention any experiences where you've used these tools effectively to manage records or analyze data.

To answer this question, explain your analytical mindset and commitment to accuracy. Describe the steps you'd take to investigate the discrepancies, including reaching out to necessary parties, cross-referencing against other data sources, and implementing corrective measures.

In your response, emphasize your understanding of the importance of compliance in clinical research. Discuss the systems and checks you would put in place to adhere to research protocols, including ongoing education, documentation practices, and regular communication with the research team.