Clinical Research Assistant – Alzheimers disease (AD)

Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR) supports the nations second largest research program conducted among the VA Hospitals and is looking for a full-time Clinical Research Assistant. The Clinical Research Assistant position in the Chao lab which is part of the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System and Stanford University will assist in conducting human clinical research studies on Alzheimers disease (AD) prevention under the direction of the Supervisor.

The Research Assistant will support research to understand the full spectrum of Alzheimers disease (AD) from its earliest stages.

The study participants are older adults with normal cognition mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimers dementia who have volunteered to undergo repeated MRI PET neuropsychological measures and blood and CSF biomarkers. These ongoing studies are part of an international network of sites looking at the relationships between cognitive neuroimaging genetic and biomarker data. Future research studies will focus on the treatment of AD at an early stage.

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. Full time hours are 40 hours a week.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in Study Coordination:
  • Schedule study procedures which may include MRI brain scan PET scans physician assessment electrocardiogram (ECG) blood draw and lumbar puncture;
  • Coordinate schedules with members of research team;
  • Handle study correspondence;
  • Maintain participants study binders progress notes and study logs.
• Test research participants:
  • Administer neuropsychological tests questionnaires and collect medical information according to the study protocols.
• Enter data in databases and upload data:
  • Accurately score neuropsychological (NP) tests. Enter NP and other study data into EDC;
  • Upload brain imaging files and source documents to the data coordinating site.
• Assist with brain scans:
  • Accompany study volunteers to PET and MRI centers;
  • Coordinate and assist in pre-scan safety screening for participants safety and comfort and for research integrity.
• Collect vital signs (blood pressure pulse) via an electronic vital sign monitor and compute Body Mass Index.
• 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.
• Manage and 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 grant proposals and articles for publication including tables and graphs;
• Provide backup to other research staff (especially to RA working on a clinical research study of whether an investigational drug can slow AD-related memory decline and neurodegeneration);
• Provide general clerical assistance when needed e.g. answer phones greet subjects; photocopy study forms.
• Other tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required: Bachelors degree or equivalent experience required;
• 0-2 years of related experience.
• Desired: Bachelors degree in Human Biology Cognitive Neuroscience Psychology or a related field;
• Previous experience with subject recruitment in a research environment.
• 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;
• 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 - Human Resources department.

Required Experience:

Junior IC