Clinical Research Assistant – Exploratory Therapeutics Laboratory

Clinical Research Assistant – Exploratory Therapeutics Laboratory

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 the study of psychedelic medications treatments for severe depression and PTSD, led by the Principal Investigator - Dr. Trisha Suppes - as part of the Stanford/VA Exploratory Therapeutics Laboratory.

The Research Assistant will play an important role in implementation of clinical research studies with an understanding of the underlying rationale, and follow best practices in working with research participants with serious mental illness.

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 with identification, screening, and enrollment of study subjects;
• Communicate with subjects about study procedures and obtain informed consent;
• Coordinate with study team and subjects to schedule visits and conduct follow-ups;
• Administer questionnaires and assessment instruments to subjects;
• Collaborate with study team to ensure that protocols are followed completely, labs are ordered and reviewed as required, and that all elements of patient safety and protection are present;
• Oversee data collection and data reconciliation; check data for completeness and verify as needed;
• Prepare treatment room for participants, including setting up video and audio recordings of sessions
• Travel to Stanford research space and VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) occasionally for recruitment;
• Attend weekly lab meetings with study team.
• Provide information as needed to other clinic staff regarding clinical issues with specific patients, adherence to study protocols, administration of research instruments, and general procedures in clinical research;
• Assist with administrative duties.
• Perform simple lab procedures per study requirements (blood pressure, calculation of body mass index);
• Assist Principal Investigator in compiling summary data from trials;
• Perform literature searches and retrieve needed information from retrieved articles;
• Help prepare supplemental materials and text for manuscripts, publications, and grants.
• Assist with other study-related duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required:Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required;
• Valid Driver's License;
• 2+ years of relevant clinical research experience (can include undergraduate);
• Desired: 3 years or more of relevant clinical research experience;
• Clinical research experience in including subject recruitment and screening;
• Prior experience in a mental health setting.
• Organized, detail-oriented, self-directed, and dependable;
• Strong time management skills and ability to prioritize workload;
• Ability to work as part of a team;
• Ability to communicate effectively with study participants and the research staff;
• Working knowledge of MS Word and Excel; Familiarity with REDCap, Qualtrics, and R is highly desired.
• Able to learn VA regulations and procedures regarding research;
• Effective interpersonal skills, excellent verbal communication and written skills;
• General knowledge of research procedures gained through education or experience.

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.