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Clinical Research Assistant I (TAY1901.19)

Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR)
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The Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR) is seeking a Research Assistant to support a human clinical research study investigating the efficacy of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in healthy older adults who have mild cognitive impairment (MCI). If this study finds that rTMS improves memory, further clinical development of rTMS could improve the level of functioning of millions of older adults who have MCI or who will have Alzheimer's dementia in the coming years.
The Research Assistant will administer neuropsychological tests and questionnaires, collect medical information, and provide study coordination according to the study protocol. This is a key position that supports research to determine if this method of noninvasive brain stimulation improves memory and cognition, and if so, for how long. The researchers will also examine differential outcomes related to the site of cortical stimulation, as assessed by tests and functional neuroimaging.
Schedule: The Research Assistant must be able to work flexible hours (because of limited scanner availability) and may need to work one weekend day per month.
This is a regular, full time (40 hrs/wk), non-exempt (hourly-paid) position. Benefits:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vacation
  • Sick Pay
  • Holidays
  • Life Insurance - paid by PAVIR
  • Long-term Disability Insurance - paid by PAVIR
  • Short-term Disability Insurance - paid by PAVIR
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match and Profit Share
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Commuter Benefit
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.
Duties:
Test research participants:
  • Administer neuropsychological tests, questionnaires, and collect medical information according to the study protocol.
Study Coordination:
  • Schedule study procedures, which includes MRI brain scans, physician assessment, blood draws, and rTMS treatment sessions;
  • Handle study correspondence;
  • Maintain participants study binders, progress notes, and study logs.
Enter data in databases:
  • Accurately score and enter neuropsychological scores;
  • Enter all study data into research database.
Assist with brain image acquisition and image pre-processing: 
  • Assist in pre-scan safety screening. Accompany study participants to the University MRI Research Center for scans.
  • May assist in MRI acquisition after completing the MRI Research Center's safety and operational training procedures and maintaining refresher training;
  • May pre-process imaging data under the supervision of the Neuroimaging Data Analyst and PI.
  • Collect vital signs (blood pressure, pulse) via an electronic vital sign monitor;
Facilitate collection of blood-derived genetic and other biomarkers:
  • Accompany study volunteers to clinical research unit for fasting blood draws;
  • Hand-deliver tubes of blood and/or saliva samples to the research wet-lab.
Maintain scientific and regulatory files: 
  • Maintain IRB approval;
  • Keep the Study Regulatory Binder up to date;
  • Perform online literature searches (Endnote and PDFs);
  • Assist in preparing research reports and articles for publication, including tables and graphs.
  • Provide occasional backup to other research staff working on related clinical research projects.
  • Occasionally provide general clerical assistance when needed, e.g. answer phones, greet subjects; photocopy study forms.
Requirements:
Education: BA/BS degree in Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, Human Biology or a related field is required.
License / Certification: Valid Driver License is required.
Work Experience:
Required: at least 6 months of related experience;
Desired: 12 months or more of related experience.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:
  • Willingness to work flexible hours because of limited scanner availability. Employee may need to work 1 weekend day per month.
  • Previous experience with subject recruitment in a research environment highly desired;
  • Experience with cognitively impaired elderly, or anxious or difficult subjects highly desired;
  • Research experience in psychological test administration highly desired;
  • Highly reliable with demonstrated organizational ability;
  • Accurate record keeping and attention to detail;
  • Knowledge of medical terms and abbreviations relevant to obtaining and coding medical history desired;
  • Exposure to image acquisition and image processing 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;
  • Basic math/statistical skills;
  • Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing;
  • 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.
Environmental Conditions / Physical Demands:
Physical: Frequently stand, walk, and sit to perform desk-based computer tasks; meet with study subjects. Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time. Will encounter occasional patients who are anxious and/or difficult. Carry memory testing kit and small cooler for transferring blood samples.
Environmental: Exposure to office and hospital/clinical environment. Exposure to office and imaging (i.e. MRI) equipment. Some exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Occasional travel to Lucas MRI on Stanford campus.
PAVIR engages in nonprofit medical research and works with sponsors and the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) in administering funds for conducting research to find new and improved ways to combat human disease and help people with disabilities. Please refer to our website for additional information: www.pavir.org 
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 our Human Resources department at jobs@pavir.org


For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.