Clinical Research Assistant I - Center for Deployment Psychology (Hybrid) - The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Clinical Research Assistant to perform data collection by conducting research interviews. The Clinical Research Assistant will recruit and screen subjects for research studies and collects baseline and follow up data from subjects. This is the first of four levels of clinical research assistants and works under the guidance and direction of senior staff. 

This position will be in support of the research portfolios of the Center for Deployment Psychology and the Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. 

The Research Assistant will support the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences’ Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology (MPS) and its Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP), which are based in Bethesda, MD. The Research Assistant will assist with activities in MPS. As an integral part of the School of Medicine, MPS is committed to excellence in psychological research during periods of both peace and war. Research programs include health disparities, suicide prevention, obesity, eating disorders, stigma, psychotherapy research, substance abuse, and risky behaviors among other topics related to clinical and medical psychology as well as military psychology.

As a center within MPS, CDP’s mission is to lead the development of a community of culturally mindful and clinically competent providers through the delivery of high-quality training and education, the convening of experts, and the dissemination of research-based treatment and the latest topics in military behavioral health. CDP strives to be the central hub for the Military Health System (MHS) in the development and implementation of training and education to clinicians in order to ensure that all service members, veterans, and their families receive quality behavioral healthcare that meets their unique needs. The incumbent will assist the CDP research team to carry out their ongoing and future research projects.  CDP’s research includes the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based psychotherapies; behavioral health services research; and patient focused research on mental health disorders such as PTSD, insomnia, nightmares, and suicide prevention. HJF provides administrative and management support to MPS and CDP. Applicants must possess the ability to provide customer service in a culturally sensitive, accessible, and inclusive manner that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Research Assistant position offers several unique opportunities.  The position is ideal for post-baccalaureates interested in gaining experience prior to graduate or medical school given that the incumbent will work closely with established researchers.  Commensurate with demonstrated abilities, opportunity to publish manuscripts and gain clinical experience may be available.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing, and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Supports the planning and implementation of multiple military mental health research studies while maintaining compliance with established standard operating procedures under supervision. Reviews tasks lists and ensures timely completion of project tasks. May screen and assist with consenting study subjects and/or data collection.
• Performs data entry for research projects; establishes and maintains databases; maintains clear and accurate project records, data files, inventories, and logbooks; and assists with the development of progress reports for studies as assignedin an accurate, timely, and efficient manner. 
• Supports regulatory compliance of assigned projects to include assisting with amendments, protocol modifications or relevant correspondence for the protocol. 
• Performs administrative duties such as: scheduling study appointments; performing scientific literature searches, identification, and retrieval; file management; and assisting in the preparation of grants, papers, and abstracts. Distributes manuscripts and reports to all scientific collaborators as required.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for the role.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Minimum of 0-2 years' experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills.
• Interest in working in military mental health research.
• A background/education in psychology, social work, or another health-related field.
• Ability to understand and utilize scientific terminology and research theory in both oral and written communications.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks under multiple PIs.
• Experience with a human use Institutional Review Board (IRB) and regulatory compliance in the research space preferred
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities 

• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment 

•  This position will take place primarily in a clinic, hospital, or office environment. 

Some positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may be required.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable.  Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c).

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.