*Applications are closed for the 2026 program*
Why peer mentoring?
Mentoring is a core component of Tufts CTSI’s workforce development education and training strategy. Research shows that lack of career development opportunities is a key reason why clinical research coordinators leave their jobs. In addition, it can be difficult to establish professional networks in a decentralized organization, particularly in fields where there is high turnover. Peer mentoring is one tool that can help address some of these issues.
Program Goals
The purpose of this program is to support the professional development of full-time clinical research staff at Tufts Medicine by facilitating networking, career development, and job task support. By encouraging greater communication and collaboration across departments and divisions, we hope to create a sense of community across the system among clinical research staff and help staff do their jobs more effectively.
How does the program work?
Program Outline
After a successful pilot in 2025, we will continue the same basic program structure. The program will run in 3-month iterations, with participants being matched with a different person each quarter. At the end of each quarter, participants will be sent a short check-in survey to provide feedback and confirm their continuance in the program. Finally, all participants will be asked to complete a longer final evaluation at the end of the year.
Q1 2026
Participants will be matched in a mentor/mentee pairing. Mentors will be people with a higher level of career/research experience than the mentee. Participants will meet at least 3 times during this period. At the end of Q1, the mentor and mentees can decide if they wish to continue the relationship on their own.
Q2 2026
Participants will be matched with a peer at a similar research career level from another part of Tufts MC. Participants will organize 3 meetings over the course of the three months. Participants can choose whether or not to continue the relationship on their own.
Q3 2026
Participants will be matched in a new mentor/mentee pairing as in Q1.
Q4 2026
Participants will be matched with a new similar-level peer as in Q2. A final evaluation will be distributed to all program participants at the end of Q4.
Time commitment
All participants must attend a 1-hour Zoom kickoff meeting in January 2026. In addition, mentors must complete a self-paced online training (approximately 1-hour) prior to January 2026. We ask that all participants commit to meeting with their matches at least 3 times per quarter for approximately 1 hour per meeting. Participants will organize their conversations on their own and are free to divide the time differently based on their needs (i.e. six 30-minute meetings). Participants also commit to completing all of the evaluation surveys. The total minimum time commitment for January – December 2026 is 13 hours for mentees, and 14 hours for mentors.
How do I participate?
Eligibility Criteria
All full-time Tufts Medicine clinical research staff (including but not limited to clinical research coordinators, clinical research associates, research assistants, research associates, clinical research managers/directors/supervisors) who intend to stay at Tufts Medicine for the duration of the program (January – December 2026) are eligible to apply. Staff who plan to leave to begin further education or training in 2027 or beyond may still participate in the program. Part-time and per diem staff are NOT eligible.
Supervisor permission is required for all applicants.
Application Process
Applications for mentors and mentees will open on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and close on Friday, October 24, 2025. Applicants will be asked about their research and non-research work experience, goals, areas of expertise (for mentors), and career interests and plans, including plans for staying at Tufts Medicine. All applicants will be asked to confirm their understanding and acceptance of the expectations of the program and to provide the name and contact details of their supervisor.
The goal of the application is to provide enough information to make good matches. The CRS Training Planning Committee hopes to match all eligible applicants however we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate everyone who applies.
The committee will confirm matched participants have supervisor support before announcing matches. We anticipate communicating final matches in December 2025.
*Applications are closed for the 2026 program*
Who is organizing this process?
Clinical Research Staff Training Planning Committee
Kris Markman, Tufts CTSI
Christine Choy, Tufts HS IRB
Olivia Lovegreen, Tufts MC Clinical Trials Office
Kathryn Turner, Tufts MC Psychiatry
Ellen Vickery, Tufts MC Endocrinology
Questions? Contact Tufts CTSI Professional Education.