Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

The Laboratory for Translational Neurorecovery (LTNr) Clinical Research Occupational Therapist is responsible for participation in clinical research studies of patients recovering from stroke and other acute neurological injuries. The LTNr Clinical Research Occupational Therapist is familiar with patients recovering from stroke and acute neurological injuries as well as clinical research and is also able to help support the research team at the Laboratory for Translational Neurorecovery / Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery.

The Clinical Research Occupational Therapist collaborates closely with a multi-disciplinary team including; research coordinators, Clinical Research Nurses, NP and Physician Investigators and Co-Investigators, and will be responsible for the following (Research Responsibilities):

• Performs and documents standardized assessments in-person and/or remotely to measure recovery in patients recovering from stroke and other acute neurologic injuries,including the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity, Action Research Arm Test, Interview Questionnaires and other tests and measures appropriate to specific studies

• Conducts and documents rehabilitation research protocols for patients recovering from acute neurologic disease

• Collaborates with PIs and their teams on new studies to ensure timely start up, and be available to assist with coordination of services needed to implement the study, as well as be available to assess study progress and problem solve as needed

• Works with physicians, nurses, research coordinators and patients in the selection of and participation by appropriate patients

• Obtains all necessary approvals and informed consent forms; screens and enrolls patients into the studies as appropriate

• Assists with recruiting participants into clinical research studies including obtaining informed consent

• Coordinates and implements research studies according to the study protocols

• Provides consultation to physicians, nurses and research coordinators regarding protocol implementation and contributes to research publications

• Collaborates with the principal investigator(s) on an ongoing basis regarding progress of the study

• Collaborates with study team in the development of new research studies, including the use of outcome measures and data form development, as well as participate in OT or rehab-based studies

• Ensures proper study documentation and assist research coordinators with maintaining research databases, patient files, electronic notepads, regulatory binders and study databases

• Learns and performs neurotechnology-based assessments and treatments for neurological recovery in-person and using telehealth including functional near infrared spectroscopy, rehabilitation robotics, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and brain-computer interfaces

• Trains research staff on research assessments and monitors recovery for participants for duration of research studies

• Participates in and may help coordinate, related patient care activities in the inpatient and outpatient settings at MGH

• Assesses patient participation on a continuous basis in light of ethical considerations. Acts as a liaison between patient and other members of the team regarding patient care activities related to the protocol.

• Acts as a resource for study staff regarding outcomes and other appropriate study visit and study-related questions per GCP training, Occupational therapy clinical knowledge and outcomes measures expertise

• Develop, implement, and support systems to promote efficiency, productivity, and operating systems to economize resources

• With assistance from research coordinators, may be responsible for IRB submissions for protocols

• Facilitates integration of regulatory guidelines to ensure safe practice

• Presents study findings to interested groups both inside and outside of the hospital

• May require travel to research study meetings and/or research study subjects’ homes for study visits.

• Work closely with mentors and research coordinators in the MGH Laboratory for Translational Neurorecovery (LTNr) and the MGH Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery (CNTR).

• Attend weekly LTNr lab meetings (in person or by videoconference).

• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills

• Professional knowledge: Clinical, healthcare knowledge to enable effective interactions and communications with patients, caregivers, clinicians, and healthcare administrators.

• Time Management: Exceptional organizational skills and ability to prioritize effectively and complete tasks; Flexibility to handle multiple tasks and deadline pressures.

• Highly motivated, independent, innovative, and capable of performing in a complex environment

• Prior experience with neurotechnological systems for stroke recovery (such as non-invasive brain stimulation, rehabilitation robotics, and/or telerehabilitation)

• Strong sense of initiative and perseverance to carry through to completion of tasks

• Demonstrates forthrightness and integrity.

• Ability to identify issues/projects and initiate plans to address asking for direction when appropriate

• Ability to develop a common vision for diverse communities, communicates effectively, and take ownership and responsibility for activities.

• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team

• Sound judgment, clinical reasoning and decision making abilities

• Demonstrated knowledgeable and compliant in all hospital, State and Federal regulatory requirements, including hospital policy and procedures (where applicable to the performance of the job).

OT, Master’s/Doctorate preferred. Prior neurology and/or research experience strongly preferred.

MGH Main Campus, Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery (101 Merrimac St, Suite 310), may also be asked to work remotely as needed.

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.