Research Assistant II

This is a full-time, in-person position located at the San Francisco VA Health Care System.

The RA II will be acting as the Study Coordinator and Research Assistant for clinical and translational research studies on respiratory disease and in particular COPD and lung cancer biomarker studies. 

In addition, the RA II will also assist with performance of other research projects, and assist with managing the daily lab and research activities for Dr. Arjomandi’s research program. 

Essential Functions:

• Recruit, screen, coordinate visits, monitor, and document the general well-being of research subjects during their study participation.


• Assist in performing tests such as pulmonary function tests, sputum induction, and collection.


• Administer health and research questionnaires.


• Process biological samples (including blood as well as respiratory samples such as sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage) via centrifugation, separation of fluid and cell components, storing the samples in an organized manner in -80 freezer and liquid nitrogen dewar.


• Collect and enter data and maintain an accurate database.


• Maintain laboratory supplies, order supplies as needed, and maintain an organized and functional laboratory environment.


• Assist in preparing and maintaining research regulatory protocol and preparation of standard operating procedures; maintain accurate study protocol; maintain accurate subject records including consents and study participation. 

Additional Responsibilities:

• Help other research group personnel and oversee the daily operations as needed


• Coordinate research efforts at other sites such as San Francisco General Hospital and UCSF Medical Center with the SFVAMC site


• Coordinate the medical record abstraction of data


• Participate in monthly research meetings


• Assist PI with recruitment, hiring, and training research assistant(s) and other staff including interns, contractors, and/or consultants as necessary for the project


• Coordinate research project activities ensuring objectives are met and documented in status


• Under the general direction of the PI, investigate new project ideas, conduct literature reviews, produce research summaries and explore new clinical cohorts of


• Design and produce figures and tables for data presentation in manuscripts, abstracts, posters and power point presentations for PI, residents and


• Prepare financial reports including budget status reports and expense


• Manage CHR/IRB activities including preparation of new project applications for submission, and revisions/renewals of ongoing protocols


• Prepare and maintain annual progress reports for several funding institutions including NIH, and private foundations

Job Requirements:

• BA/BS in life sciences


• At least 1 year experience in research coordination and/or study management


• Ability to manage multiple projects, tasks and priorities to achieve desired goals


• Strong organizational and oral and written communication skills


• Computer literacy with full working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Endnote, Adobe and Pubmed


• Ability to work independently


• Strong people skills and reliability

The base salary range for this position is $23.64 - $33.64 per hour. The base salary actually offered to a successful candidate will take into account various relevant and non-discriminatory business factors including, without limitation, the candidate’s geographic location, job-related experience, knowledge, and skills, and education, as well as internal equity considerations. A successful candidate may also be eligible to earn additional compensation including bonuses.

NCIRE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  This position requires access to United States Government research under the Veterans Administration. Per Veterans Administration regulations surrounding access to US research, qualified US Citizens will be selected over other individuals eligible to work in the United States.  If you are eligible to work in the United States, you may still be considered for this position but only if no qualified US citizens apply.