Advancing Mental Health Treatment Through Metabolic Interventions

The Metabolic and Mental Health Program

The Metabolic and Mental Health Program will advance the study of the metabolic drivers of mental health disorders and the application of metabolic interventions to treat them.

Following are the key areas of focus that will allow for a new clinical service, more research in this area, dissemination of knowledge, and training of clinicians in metabolic assessment and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.

1. Launch the Metabolic and Mental Health Consultation Service.

Metabolic health assessments and treatment strategies, such as dietary interventions, appropriate hormonal and nutrient assessments, and other strategies are not currently offered in a comprehensive manner at McLean. A multidisciplinary team, including a psychiatrist, dietitian, and health and wellness coach, will be hired and trained to deliver these services.

2. Conduct original research on the metabolic drivers of mental disorders and potential interventions to improve patient outcomes.

3. Advance the metabolic theory of mental illness through academic publications and education for the general public.

4. Training opportunities for clinicians.

By leveraging McLean Hospital's Department of Postgraduate and Continuing Education and Harvard Medical School's Office for External Education, we will offer clinician training programs in the science of the metabolic theory of mental illness, along with treatment strategies that can play a role, such as lifestyle and metabolic therapies.

The Program Specialist, positioned within MGB McLean Hospital's new Metabolic and Mental Health Program, holds a pivotal role in the strategic planning, meticulous coordination, and successful execution of this new research program that will be focused on the role of metabolism in mental health and metabolic strategies in the treatment of mental disorders. This position entails extensive collaboration with researchers, faculty members, and a diverse array of stakeholders to ensure the seamless and effective operation of research projects, spanning from their inception to triumphant culmination. As the program specialist, you help coordinate and manage this new program. The incumbent delivers essential administrative support and expertly manages multifaceted tasks to advance the prosperity of the research, clinical, and educational goals of this program. Beyond this, the role assumes a crucial liaison position, facilitating communication between McLean Hospital clinicians, researchers, administrators, Research Finance, and overseeing various other indispensable responsibilities, including administrative senior support, within the scope of this position. This role may serve as a delegated proxy of the director or Principal Investigator.

The Program Specialist will have the following responsibilities:

Program/ Project Leadership:

- Take the lead and support the development and execution of the program under the direction of the Director.

- Collaborate with program leaders to set project timelines and deliverables.

- Ensure the progress of the program and provide regular status updates to stakeholders.

Administrative Oversight:

- Maintain meticulous project records, including budgets, timelines, and documentation.

- Coordinate and oversee meetings, guest lectures, conferences scheduling, and logistics.

- Create purchase orders and maintain inventory of research and related supplies.

- Prepare and distribute project-related reports and materials.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement:

- Act as a key point of contact for project team members and stakeholders.

- Foster effective communication and address inquiries from internal and external parties.

- Assist with social media outreach, including creating content/posts and maintaining relevant accounts.

- Assist with website maintenance.

Data Management and Analysis:

- Manage the collection, organization, and analysis of research data as required.

- Ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with research protocols and regulations.

Budget Management and Fiscal Responsibility:

- Support or lead the management of program budgets, funds, and grants+, including tracking expenses and allocations.

- Forecast and plan for budget growth and the potential expansion of the program.

- Oversee financial transactions and procurement related to the program.

Compliance and Ethics Leadership:

- Ensure that research activities adhere to ethical standards and regulatory requirements.

- Lead the preparation of necessary documentation for ethics reviews.

Reporting and Strategic Planning:

- Generate and submit comprehensive progress reports and summaries for research programs.

- Play an integral role in grant and proposal writing and submission.

Resource Coordination:

- Oversee access to research facilities, equipment, and resources for project teams.

- Lead or participate in the procurement and maintenance of research-related equipment and supplies.

Personnel Coordination:

- Take a leading role in the recruitment and onboarding of research and clinical team members.

- Manage the scheduling and coordination of research and clinical staff and team meetings.

- Ensure compliance with personnel policies and procedures.

Grant Coordination:

- Collaborate closely with the Director and investigators to identify grant opportunities and prepare grant applications.

- Oversee the administration of awarded grants, ensuring compliance and timely reporting.

- Work in collaboration with researchers to ensure the effective and responsible utilization of grant funds.

Visa Application and Coordination Support:

- Provide expert guidance and support to international research team members with visa application processes.

- Coordinate necessary documentation and liaise with relevant authorities to ensure visa compliance.

Donations Coordination:

- Coordinate the collection and management of donations for research programs.

- Ensure proper allocation and acknowledgment of donations.

Administrative Assistant Duties:

- Assist with general administrative tasks such as scheduling, correspondence, and office organization.

- Provide assistance with various other administrative support assignments as required.

Travel Coordination:

- Arrange travel for program Director, faculty, and staff, including meeting registrations, airline reservations, accommodations, ground transportation, and relevant itinerary preparation.

- Prepare travel reimbursements for PI, program Director, faculty, and staff.

O A bachelor's degree in a relevant field required, master's preferred.

O A minimum of 5 - 7 years of applicable experience in research coordination.

O Strong organizational and project management skills, with previous supervisory or leadership experience.

O Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

O Proficiency in using research and project management tools and software.

O In-depth knowledge of research methodologies, data management, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.

McLean 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.