Research Assistant I

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HSS is consistently among the top-ranked hospitals for orthopedics and rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report. As a recipient of the Magnet Award for Nursing Excellence, HSS was the first hospital in New York City to receive the distinguished designation. Whether you are early in your career or an expert in your field, you will find HSS an innovative, supportive and inclusive environment.

Working with colleagues who love what they do and are deeply committed to our Mission, you too can be part of our transformation across the enterprise.

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What you will be doing

The Clinical Imaging Research Assistant provides foundational operational support for the imaging data and protocol infrastructure that underlies clinical research activity across Hospital for Special Surgery. Reporting to the Radiology Director of Clinical Research Operations, this position focuses exclusively on the imaging-specific infrastructure components of research, which includes executing data extraction and delivery workflows, tracking and resolving open imaging protocol questions, and maintaining the organizational systems that enable the Department to fulfill its imaging research obligations at scale.

This role does not serve as a member of individual study teams. Instead, it functions as an infrastructure resource that supports the imaging operations layer on which multiple studies depend.

The Clinical Imaging Research Assistant is well-suited to a motivated early-career candidate seeking to develop deep familiarity with clinical imaging environments, clinical research data workflows, and the operational environment of an academic medical center.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Imaging Data Extraction & Delivery

• Execute DICOM image extraction requests from institutional imaging data archives in response to formally submitted research data requests.

• Apply de-identification workflows in compliance with IRB protocols, HIPAA requirements, and institutional data governance standards prior to any data transfer.

• Organize extracted image sets according to study-specific naming conventions and folder structures and deliver to designated research repositories or secure transfer destinations.

• Maintain accurate records of all extraction and delivery transactions, including request source, data scope, de-identification method, and delivery confirmation.

B. Protocol Decision Tracking & Follow-Up

• Maintain a live, organized tracker of open imaging protocol questions submitted by study teams or raised during study onboarding, including sequence parameters, acquisition settings, and modality-specific requirements.

• Persistently follow up with the appropriate departmental experts, including MRI technologists, radiologists, and imaging physicists, under the direction of the Director of Radiology Clinical Research Operations to drive resolution of open protocol questions within expected turnaround windows.

• Document resolved protocol decisions in a format suitable for incorporation into study records and escalate unresolved or complex questions to the Director as needed.

C. Research Imaging Request Intake & Routing

• Serve as the operational first point of contact for incoming imaging data requests and protocol support inquiries, ensuring all requests are logged, acknowledged, and triaged in a timely manner.

• Maintain the departmental request tracking system, keeping status fields current and flagging requests that are approaching or exceeding expected timelines.

• Route requests requiring senior judgment or cross-departmental coordination to the Director of Clinical Research Operations.

D. Data Quality & Completeness Verification

• Perform structured quality checks on extracted and prepared image sets prior to delivery, confirming that expected imaging series are present, de-identification has been correctly applied, and output formats conform to study specifications.

• Document QC findings and flag discrepancies for review before data handoff is completed.

E. Research Repository & Infrastructure Maintenance

• Support the ongoing organization and upkeep of departmental imaging research storage infrastructure, including XNAT or equivalent systems.

• Enforce consistent folder structures, file naming conventions, and access documentation standards across active and archived research data holdings.

• Assist the Director in identifying and addressing gaps or inconsistencies in repository organization.

F. Research Imaging Session Logistics

• Coordinate scheduling and communication with imaging technologists and operations staff for research imaging sessions that require special setup or fall outside routine clinical scan workflows.

• Serve as an operational liaison between study teams and technical imaging staff for session logistics, without assuming clinical study coordination or regulatory responsibilities.

G. General Infrastructure Support

• Provide flexible day-to-day operational support to the Director of Clinical Research Operations across active imaging infrastructure needs.

• Assist with maintaining departmental standard operating procedures related to imaging research data handling and protocol documentation.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a health sciences, natural sciences, biomedical, or related field.

• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks and maintain accurate records.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to follow up persistently and professionally with clinical and technical staff.

• Comfort working within structured workflows and data management systems in a regulated environment.

• Proficiency with standard productivity and data organization tools (Microsoft Office suite, spreadsheet tracking, file management).

Preferred

• Familiarity with DICOM imaging concepts, PACS systems, or clinical imaging environments gained through coursework, research experience, or clinical exposure.

• Prior experience in a clinical, laboratory, or academic research setting, including gap-year, post-baccalaureate, or research assistant roles.

• Basic understanding of HIPAA requirements and research regulatory frameworks.

• Experience with research data management platforms or medical imaging repositories (e.g., XNAT, REDCap, or similar).

WORK ENVIRONMENT & DEVELOPMENT

This position is based on-site at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and operates within the Department of Radiology and Imaging. The Clinical Imaging Research Assistant works in close daily collaboration with the Director of Clinical Research Operations and interacts regularly with imaging technologists, physicists, and informatics staff across the Department.

This role offers a structured entry point into the research operations of a leading academic medical center, with direct exposure to clinical imaging systems, research data infrastructure, and the regulatory environment governing human subjects research. Candidates with aspirations in medicine, biomedical research, or health informatics will find this position provides meaningful, substantive preparation for graduate or professional school.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

The Clinical Imaging Research Assistant reports directly to the Radiology Director of Clinical Research Operations. The Director provides day-to-day supervision, assigns and prioritizes work, and conducts periodic performance reviews. The position has no direct reports.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Hospital for Special Surgery is committed to providing high quality care and skilled, compassionate, reliable service to our community in a safe and healing environment. Consistent with this commitment, Hospital for Special Surgery provides care, admits, and treats patients and provides all services without regard to age, race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, national origin, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, veteran or military status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law or by accreditation standards.