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 Research Assistant will support Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Karl Lorenz, and his laboratory studying the effects of virtual reality (VR) interventions.

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.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES OF A RESEARCH ASSISTANT

• Support virtual reality (VR) health interventions: social isolation, surgical procedures and symptoms, and health communication. The anticipated outcomes are improved caregiver and peer connectedness, tolerance of procedures, functional recovery, and reduced pain and other symptoms, and improved understanding of treatment risks / benefits. The SSPRI will assist in the development of protocols, data collection, analyses, and peer-reviewed manuscripts, including through interviews, surveys, recruitment, and mixed method data analyses under supervision. This position requires a basic understanding of methods for using virtual reality, research processes, and excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Assist in the development of interview questions and methodology for qualitative data analysis. The position will also support the development of surveys used for eligibility screening, and baseline and follow-up participant assessment. It will require collaboration with other team members for feedback in their development, including revision of study protocols during development, working with study team members to create virtual reality content, and piloting of procedures, materials, and media content in order to recommend revisions to study procedures / protocols / policies to the PI.
• Contribute to meeting IRB regulatory requirements, including writing IRB protocols and informed consent. The position will require responding to IRB comments with the supervision of the PI. Including preparation of monthly amendments/updates to the protocol, informed consent, and maintaining a regulatory binder. It will include assisting with audits of team research operations and ensuring compliance with IRB (e.g., data security,
• Conduct or support qualitative data collection via observations, interviews or focus groups including analyzing data with guidance from the PI and Co-Is
• Conduct literature reviews to inform manuscript creation and write abstracts for conferences
• Create and maintain qualitative databases and/or quantitative databases in Redcap of questionnaires to be used for the studies and perform data collection and oversee data collection accuracy
• Prepare amendments/updates to the IRB protocols as needed and inform all stakeholders when changes occur
• Draft communication of research findings for posters/presentations/web for formal and informal presentations
• Support hiring of project staff and/or students/ interns. Other tasks as assigned.
  

QUALIFICATIONS FOR A RESEARCH ASSISTANT

• Required: Bachelor's degree in science or a healthcare field, and previous experience conducting and participating in health or medical research.
• Valid driver's license required.
• At least 6 months of related experience;
• Preferred: 1 year or more of related experience; Previous experience with subject recruitment in a research environment; Clinical Trial experience desired.
• General understanding of scientific theory and methods, typically gained through completion of an undergraduate degree in a related field.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with human study participants.
• 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;
• Some knowledge of neuroscience is 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 jobs@pavir.org - Human Resources department.