Clinical Research Assistant – Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - PAVIR

Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR) supports the nation's second largest research program conducted among the VA Hospitals and is looking for a full-time Clinical Research Assistant. The Research Assistant will support a DOD CDMRP grant that tests the efficacy of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) to alleviate pain and depression in Gulf War I patients with Gulf War Syndrome in a randomized clinical trial (RCT).

Duties include assisting with recruiting subjects, helping with using rTMS machine to stimulate designated area of the brain in the RCT after being trained by a professional, entering data in study databases, administering neuropsychological and neurophysiological testing and assisting with data analysis under the direct supervision by the Principal Investigator - Dr. Maheen Adamson.

BENEFITS

PAVIR offers generous benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, vision, dental, 14 paid holidays, paid vacation time, sick pay, a 401(k) with a fully vested 6% company match and 3% profit share, a wellness program, commuter benefits, and professional development training. Plus, we pay for life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administer Testing:
• Use rTMS machine to stimulate designated area of the brain in the RCT during the treatment period, after being trained by a professional.
• Recruit and screen research participants:
• Assist with recruit, screen, enroll patients, and obtain consent forms;
• Administer neuropsychological tests, questionnaires, and collect medical information according to the study protocols;
• Study Coordination:
• Assist with planning, coordinating, and carrying out research activities related to project;
• Help with scheduling study procedures, which may include EEG, MRI brain scan, PET scans, physician assessment, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood draw, and lumbar puncture;
• Coordinate schedules with members of research team.
• Aid with study correspondence;
• Maintain participants study binders, progress notes, and study logs.
• Collect and enter data in databases:
• Monitor and obtain feedback on the data collection process against protocols;
• Assist with database entry; Accurately score and enter neuropsychological scores according to defined protocols;
• Give assistance to managing project databases and documentation;
• Establish procedure manuals for data collection protocols;
• Prepare periodic reports detailing the progress of data collection efforts; train and coordinate student volunteers.
• Assist with performing brain scans:
• Accompany student volunteers and patients to PET and MRI centers;
• Coordinate and assist in pre-scan safety screening for participant's safety, comfort and for research integrity.
• Facilitate collection of blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers:
• Accompany study volunteers to clinical research unit for yearly blood draws and for biennial lumbar punctures performed by the study physician.
• Handle human specimens including tubes of blood, CSF, and screening urine sample.
• Package and ship samples for processing per the research protocol;
• Provide general clerical assistance when needed, e.g. answer phones, greet subjects; photocopy study forms.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience;
• At least 1-2 years of related experience (can include internship);
• Preferred: Master's Degree in Human Biology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, or a related field;
• Previous experience with subject recruitment in research environment;
• 3 years or more of related experience. Clinical Trial experience desired;
• Highly reliable with demonstrated organizational ability;
• Accurate record keeping and attention to detail;
• Experience with elderly, cognitively impaired, anxious, and/or difficult subjects highly desired;
• Research experience in psychological test administration highly desired;
• Research experience in clinical trials desired;
• Some knowledge of neuroscience is desired;
• Knowledge of standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the research field gained through education or experience;
• Ability to understand and follow VA regulations and procedures regarding research;
• Knowledge of medical terms and abbreviations relevant to obtaining and coding medical history desired;
• Exposure to brain imaging modalities desired;
• Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing;
• Basic math/statistical skills;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel;
• Experience in database management or experience using statistical programs desired;
• Familiarity with PowerPoint, FileMaker Pro and Endnote desired.

ABOUT PALO ALTO VETERANS INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH (PAVIR)

PAVIR facilitates research and education activities conducted at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. At PAVIR we work with more than 160 uniquely talented medical scientists. We recruit and retain talented employees who believe in making a difference in the lives of others through innovative health research.

READY TO JOIN OUR RESEARCH TEAM?

If you feel that you would be right for this job, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application. We look forward to meeting you!

PAVIR is a nonprofit foundation affiliated with the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS). As a condition of employment, all PAVIR employees are required to have an approved appointment with VAPAHCS and complete a background check before they can commence work.

PAVIR is pleased to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Veterans, and Individuals with a Disability are encouraged to apply. We welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact jobs@pavir.org - Human Resources department.