Exercise Physiologist

The Massachusetts General Hospital Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) lab is a vibrant clinical and research laboratory that serves as a national referral center for evaluating symptoms relating to heart failure, congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, unexplained dyspnea and other populations. Types of evaluations range from resting measurements of metabolic rate to altitude simulation studies and comprehensive exercise studies that may include direct hemodynamic measurements. Individualized testing allows precise definition of which organ system is limiting exercise capacity and thereby helps guide treatment decisions for patients. The laboratory also serves as a core laboratory for the National Institutes of Health and performs innovative research related to improving exercise capacity across a wide spectrum of patients with heart and lung conditions.

The CPET Core Laboratory provides expertise and analysis for a variety of government and industry-sponsored clinical research. The CPET Core Lab is seeking a full-time Exercise Physiologist to work with the research team focused on the CPET Core Lab activities which include analysis and interpretation of exercise tests done for clinical trials.

Independence, strong interpersonal skills, clinical proficiency, and an aptitude for problem solving while working within a dedicated professional team is required. Knowledge and interest in research are preferred. Flexibility is also encouraged as there are multiple core lab projects and anticipated need for providing coverage of clinical and research studies in the MGH Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Laboratory.

This Exercise Physiologist Combined Clinical and Research position offers the opportunity to work directly with Dr. Gregory Lewis and other team members in the MGH Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Core Laboratory. Responsibilities include conducting data analysis on exercise studies submitted to the MGH Exercise Core Laboratory and working on all aspects of Core Lab projects which include development of training tools, interface with hospital sites, and research sponsors. The ability to work independently is a must. This is the ideal position for someone looking to work with a dedicated group of people to further the advance clinical research in cardiopulmonary diseases while gaining invaluable medical and research experience.

The exercise physiologist will interact with physicians, technicians, and administrative staff to conduct cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) perform testing on outpatients and inpatients at The Massachusetts General Hospital.

Under the direction of Dr. Gregory Lewis, responsibilities will include:

1. Working within the CPET Core Lab team to analyze CPET data for quality and completeness
2. Communication with research sponsors in pre-test communication, test explanation, and test processing/preliminary data reporting
3. Skills in generating, maintaining and analyzing databases with exercise testing data and familiarity with statistics is desirable but not necessary.
4. Performing exercise-based evaluations of patients in the clinical and research settings.
5. Recognition and troubleshooting of potential complications during exercise testing.
6. Calibration and troubleshooting of equipment in the laboratory.
7. Performing testing and assessing data generated from various clinical research studies that utilize the staff, equipment, and space in the CPET lab and in the CPET Core Lab.
8. Maintaining, along with the rest of the CPET team, a JCAHO-compliant space and equipment

Qualifications:

• Experience with all aspects of conducting cardiopulmonary exercise tests (especially with use of Medgraphics Breezesuite software), including metabolic cart calibration and troubleshooting, testing protocols, gas exchange pattern recognition and reporting.
• Record and analyze data from cardiopulmonary exercise studies submitted to the MGH exercise core laboratory
• Actively participate in research database creation, upkeep, and analysis. (Competencies with Microsoft Office, and Excel, Redcap)
• May assist with writing protocols and manuscripts for submission to research journals and national scientific meetings.
• Experience with performing and interpreting electrocardiograms.
• Phlebotomy or IV placement experience
• Self-directed individual with a BA or BS degree in exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology or related programs with relevant coursework.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively within a small, close team.
• Maintain a variable work schedule to meet departmental needs.
• High-level professionalism and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and contribute as a member of the team to the clinical and research missions of the laboratory.

• ACSM certification as Exercise Specialist is recommended for individuals with a BS or BA degree.

• BA or BS degree in exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology or related program with relevant coursework required.
• Masters level scientific training in exercise physiology is preferred but not required

At least one year of experience preferred