Research Assistant - Peskind

Title: Research Assistant
Job Class: Hourly/Non-Exempt $22-24 DOE
PI: Dr. Elaine Peskind
Reports To: Hollie Holmes

Summary:

This position works at the Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (), based at the Seattle VA Medical Center in Beacon Hill.

The NW MIRECC is a highly collaborative world class biomedical research center that works to develop novel and improved treatments for major psychiatric, neurologic, and behavioral health disorders affecting Veterans. The NW MIRECC's mission focuses on neuropsychiatric disorders that are highly prevalent among combat-exposed Veterans, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and blast - induced mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and their common comorbid conditions. The MIRECC also explores the parallel effects of physical or psychological trauma on both physical and mental health.

This position supports translational neuroscience research on treatment of PTSD and trauma; mechanisms of injury in mTBI; common comorbidities such as alcohol use disorder (AUD), cannabis use disorders (CUD), post-concussive headache and other forms of chronic pain, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders. The MIRECC has particular expertise in the design and implementation of clinical trials for the treatment of neurobehavioral disorders.

This position will interact with a multidisciplinary group of clinical and basic investigators, as well as fellows, volunteer research participants, community partners, and scientific collaborators.

Responsibilities:

Under minimal supervision and guidance, the research study assistant may:

• Schedule participant appointments and assist in conducting study visits and procedures
• Collect, create, modify, and maintain study data documents and files
• Record, organize, verify, transcribe, and enter research study data using Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems and Clinical Trials Management Systems (CTMS)
• Accompany study participants to research procedures
• Conduct collection of vital signs, ECGs, psychometric testing, and phlebotomy
• Process blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
• Ship and track human biological samples
• Operate psychophysiological monitoring equipment (e.g., pupillometry, polysomnography, and sleep and activity monitoring via wrist actigraphy)
• Inventory and resupply study specific materials and kits
• Maintain confidentiality of participant and study records at all times
• Serve as protocol resource for participants and staff
• Assist with recruiting research volunteers
• Assist with preparation and organization of regulatory materials
• Perform other related duties as needed

Training will be included; the applicant is not expected to have experience with all these tasks in order to apply.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• Authorized to work in the US

Knowledge and Experience:

• Highly reliable organizational and time management skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to work independently while complying with local, sponsor, and federal research requirements
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to adapt to changing research and staff priorities

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge of data collection and management systems (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics)
• Previous experience in clinical research with knowledge of applicable industry regulations
• Familiarity and experience with Veterans and/or older populations
• Experience working with psychophysiology and medical equipment and/or data
• Programming experience and/or familiarity with R or Python
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate participant visits
• Willingness to work at secondary site(s) when necessary

How to apply: Please complete online application and upload a cover letter and resume.

Diversity enriches research and promotes the best healthcare. We are committed to building and sustaining an equitable and inclusive environment. We encourage individuals whose backgrounds or interests align with this commitment, as well as individuals from all backgrounds that are underrepresented in research, to apply.

Currently, only US Citizens, Permanent Residents, Green Card holders with proper work documents and F-type Visa holders may apply.

SIBCR Benefits:

SIBCR Pays 100% (less $90/month) for Employees and 75% of Dependent Premiums per month.

Offered to all employees working 20 hours per week on a regular basis:

• Medical and Prescription Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance, Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with pre-tax and Roth options with Matching Contribution (up to 2.5%) plus Non-Match Contribution of 5%
• Sick Leave - accrues at 1 hour for 20 paid hours
• Vacation Leave - accrues at 1 hour for 20 paid hours
• 11 Paid Holidays one personal holiday
• ORCA transportation pass at a nominal monthly fee
• Other mandated leave such as FMLA and WA PFML
• Voluntary Benefits include Flexible Spending Account, AFLAC, Voluntary Term Life

No other types of compensation offered at this time

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:
The Seattle Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Research does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity or status as transgender, national origin, caste, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor protected by federal, state or local law.