Project Coordinator

The AIDS Clinical Trials Group/Advancing Clinical Therapeutics Globally (ACTG) is an NIH-funded network that plays a pivotal role in conducting clinical trials in the US and around the world to improve the care of people with HIV. The ACTG has done ground-breaking work over several decades and continues to be the largest clinical trials network in the world devoted to advancing HIV treatment. Current areas that the network focuses on include: 1) developing new HIV medications; 2) improving treatment of conditions that are common in people with HIV; 3) discovering new therapies for viral hepatitis, including hepatitis B; 4) advancing tuberculosis treatment and prevention; 5) treating emerging infections, such as Covid-19 and mpox; 6) reducing HIV reservoirs to achieve a cure for HIV.

Investigators at Mass General Brigham have been leaders in the ACTG for many decades. Most recently, Dr. Rajesh Gandhi, the site leader of the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) ACTG Clinical Research Site, has been selected to be Vice-Chair of the international ACTG network.

In addition, the Harvard University Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) provides support to researchers at Harvard University and its affiliated hospitals and institutes, Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health. The Harvard University CFAR includes >100 investigators. Dr. Rajesh Gandhi is Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Director of the Harvard University CFAR.

Our team seeks mission-driven, intellectually curious, interactive, detail-oriented, and flexible members to serve as a Project Coordinator.

The successful candidate will provide administrative support to Rajesh Gandhi, MD in his role as Vice Chair of the ACTG and in his role as PI and Co-Director of the Harvard University CFAR. This position requires an individual who is comfortable working across range of activities from calendar management and coordination to travel arrangements to assistance with projects related to the work of a Vice Chair of a large international network of sites conducting therapeutic research in HIV and the work of a PI of a large Center for AIDS Research. The person in this role will coordinate administrative activities related to HIV studies in the ACTG as well as educational activities in the CFAR. These activities include, but are not limited to, working as central coordinator of manuscripts and presentations in development; maintaining version control and coordinating editing processes; assuring final signature of all authors; and coordinate other activities related to journal publication. Additional duties include literature searches, preparation of manuscripts, grant proposals, and other correspondence; creating graphs, tables, spreadsheets and slide presentations. The person will also coordinate and schedule Dr. Gandhi's meetings and appointments and travel arrangements. The person in this role will have a strong understanding and fluency in HIV related research, clinical trials, and general scientific and medical vocabulary or will have the ability to develop these skills. Other activities will include composing, editing and typing documents on handwritten copy utilizing correct grammar and any and all other duties assigned by ACTG Vice-Chair and CFAR PI. The person will work with Dr. Gandhi as well as other faculty and staff members to support the administrative needs of the ACTG and advance its mission of improving treatment of HIV and associated conditions. The person will also work to advance the Harvard University CFAR mission of advancing HIV research, training and education (including support and organization of CFAR and MGH educational activities), and will serve as a liaison between MGH and Harvard University CFAR, ensuring effective communication between the two institutions. This role requires a strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while engaging with investigators across various institutions.

Expertise

* Skill in editing for spelling, punctuation and grammar.

* Ability to recognize, spell and use technical and medical terminology appropriately.

* Ability to use journal and granting agency style guidelines to prepare manuscripts, proposals and bibliographies.

* Typing skills sufficient to quickly and accurately prepare documents.

* Skill in proofreading typed material and all written works.

* Skill in typing questionnaires and manuscripts from rough handwritten draft and edited versions into final forms.

* Ability to seek appropriate staff and other resources when questions regarding format, illegible writing or office procedures arise.

* Skill in typing numerical tables of data using format provided.

* Knowledge of standard abbreviations for medical journal titles and demonstrated ability to use reference sources to find/check unusual abbreviations.

* Proficiency in reference management software EndNote or Reference Manger preferred

* Skill in preparing bibliographies and CVs directly from search materials.

* Knowledge of or ability to learn MGH policies and procedures on travel

* Knowledge of or ability to learn MGH policies and procedures regarding procurement.

* Knowledge or ability to learn federal and other sponsored funding policies and procedures.

* Skill in speaking clearly and distinctively using appropriate vocabulary and grammar to obtain and convey information at various organizational levels within and outside the Hospital.

* Ability to perform duties and tasks independently with minimal supervision.

* Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other staff members and faculty.

* Skill in setting priorities, which accurately reflect relative importance of job responsibilities and in coordinating projects from multiple supervisors.

* Superb attention to detail.

* Good communication skills and ability to ask questions.

* Proficiency with standard office software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook as well as Internet applications) as well as ability to learn new computer applications

* Knowledge of or ability to learn HIV disease, HIV clinical and laboratory terminology and general medical terminology

Gets Results/Takes Initiative

* Demonstrates high personal work standards and sense of urgency about results

* Persists in face of challenges

* Demonstrates initiative particularly in ambiguous situations

Planning, Organizing, and Coordinating:

* Possesses excellent time management skills.

* Capable of prioritizing among multiple requests from multiple individuals and able to change direction in response to fluctuating work environment.

* Skilled in identifying opportunities to improve efficiency of research processes and procedures and subsequently execute improvements.

Other Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical or research problems.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism and respect for co-workers' rights and individual needs.
• Experience in clinical research, public health, or clinical setting preferred.

* Minimum of 3-5 years' related experience in a medical practice or academic setting

* Thorough knowledge of office systems including MS Office, Outlook/Calendar Management, Zoom, Teams, Word, Excel, Power Point, Tableau, RedCap

Duties will be carried out in a typical office environment. The person in this role must be available for early and late meetings and flexible to meet frequent deadlines.

The information contained in this document is intended to describe the general contents and requirements of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all duties, responsibilities or skills of individuals so classified.

MGH is an Affirmative Action Employer. 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.