Clinical Research Assistant – Mind Body Interventions for Chronic Pain & PTSD

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 Clinical Research Assistant independently coordinates day-to-day clinical research activities, including participant recruitment and enrollment, informed consent, regulatory compliance, data management, study coordination, and communication with sponsors and regulatory agencies. The incumbent serves as a primary point of contact for assigned studies and exercises independent judgment in coordinating study operations.

The Bayley lab, located at the Palo Alto VA, is focused on using mind body interventions, such as yoga and meditation, for rehabilitation treatments for chronic pain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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

• Identify, screen, recruit, and enroll study subjects;
• Explain the study procedures to subjects;
• Obtain informed consent;
• Work with subjects to complete enrollment questionnaire;
• Answer any study-related questions from the study subjects;
• Schedule subject visits and collaborate with clinic staff as needed;
• Schedule follow-up tests/visits as needed.
• Report adverse events in a timely manner.
• Maintain subject record data and binders per sponsor direction;
• Monitor of regulatory aspects of the study;
• Collect, enter, and maintain data in study databases;
• Develop and refine data collection and data management procedures including conducting data analysis.
• Manage the database for internal and external audits and prepare summary reports.
• Prepare and submit IRB applications, amendments, continuing reviews, and reportable events, coordinating responses to regulatory requests independently.
• Review protocols for compliance with accepted research guidelines and ensure compliance with protocol guidelines and requirements of regulatory agencies and HIPAA regulations.
• Educate staff members on study design and timelines;
• Review documents and monitor the study protocol for continuous quality improvement;
• Develop and implement participant recruitment and outreach strategies to support enrollment goals.
• Other research related duties as needed;
• Educate and communicate with patients, families, referring physicians, local IRB, study sponsors, and the FDA.
• Determine guidelines for the collection of clinical data or administration of clinical studies;
• Implement initial patient recruitment strategy while ensuring protocol and prepare associated materials for IRB submission;
• Coordinate and implement procedures for data collection from patient charts, medical records, interviews, questionnaires, diagnostics tests, and other sources.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required;
• 2 years of experience in healthcare system, handling sensitive health data, interacting with patients and assisting with administrative processes;
• Desired: Master's degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Anthropology, Public Health, Medicine or in a related field;
• 2+ years of related experience, including subject recruitment, interacting with patients involved in research and/or therapeutic setting;
• Knowledge of standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the research field gained through education or experience;
• Ability to understand VA regulations and procedures regarding research;
• Strong understanding of GCP, FDA, IRB, HIPAA, and VA research regulations is strongly desired.
• Ability to independently manage multiple clinical research studies simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written;
• Good interpersonal skills in order to interact with study subjects;
• Basic math skills;
• Ability to read and understand the study protocol;
• Previous experience in follow-up data collection;
• Ability to comply with technical guidelines;
• Good time-management and prioritization skills;
• Ability to complete directed tasks independently;
• Assertiveness and creativity in the identification and resolution of barriers to progress.
• Knowledge and interest in complementary and integrative health, especially yoga desired;
• Knowledge of pain treatment or therapies highly 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.