Research Assistant II

Position Definition:

The incumbent will serve as a Research Assistant for an investigator-initiated research study which will test a sleep and circadian intervention in veterans with PTSD-related sleep disturbances. The SRA II will collaborate on other studies, including the STAR study, as needed. This research is being conducted by researchers from the San Francisco VA Medical Center; Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE); and University of California, San Francisco.

Job Responsibilities:

• During the preparatory phase of the study, the SRA II will play a major role in supporting the PI and/or research coordinator (RC) in preparing materials for study implementation. This includes but is not limited to: preparing treatment manuals, preparing data collection materials including the sleep diary mobile app, preparing adherence monitoring instruments, setting up video-conferencing and secure email procedures to ensure smooth conduct of study intervention and communication with participants.


• Lead player on management of Richards Lab sleep diary mobile application, with support of Dr. Richards. This involves regular meetings with app developer to ensure app is functioning and updated when needed, monitoring of app functioning for Richards Lab and other PI users, creation and/or revision of sleep diaries for the clinical trial, downloading of data, and using R code to generate output for study clinical visits.


• Serve as a key contact for participants for the clinical trial, especially during RC absences.


• Support recruitment activities which will involve broad (statewide or national) recruitment of potentially eligible Veterans via advertising and community outreach. Recruitment will involve screening in clinics, chart review, telephone outreach, and other modalities.


• Provide and document Informed Consent.


• Schedule and/or conduct study assessments with participants.


• Support RC in coordination of visits for study clinicians and participants, to ensure a seamless experience for study clinicians and participants.


• Perform, when needed, shipping and receiving of devices for remote (at-home) data collection in participants’ home


• Support RC in reimbursements and purchasing of study supplies.


• Assist in training of new and volunteer staff in various procedures in which RA is trained and competent


• Support RC and PI in preparation of study protocols, consent forms, and all other materials requiring IRB and VA approval.


• Support RC in coordination of the daily study operations, including tracking/monitoring study activities and progress.


• Support RC in maintenance of databases (e.g., in Excel, Access) for tracking study participation and study activities.


• Support RC in management of study data, including survey, diary and actigraphy data and ensuring that data collected at each study visit is complete and satisfactory in quality


• Support PI/RC in research-related audits by VA, DoD or other regulatory bodies.


• Support PI/RC with meetings/communications with VA/IRB to meet regulatory and sponsor reporting.


• Support PI/RC in maintenance of excellent rapport with study participants, investigators, stakeholders, and collaborators.


• Support PI/RC with preparation of progress reports, grants and presentations for funding agencies.


• Collaborate with Richards Lab team in data collection, processing and analysis for the DOD STAR study


• Support Lab Manager and perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Minimum of 1.5 years research experience, preferably with experience in human subjects research


• BA or BS, preferably in social science, health science or related field.


• Has a basic understanding of research ethics and standard guidelines, policies and practices for conducting clinical and/or social/behavioral research.


• Computer literacy with emphasis on Windows operating systems and software applications, including Word, Excel, Qualtrics, Endnote and Adobe Acrobat.


• Excellent interpersonal, written/oral communication and organizational skills.


• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities to achieve desired goals.


• Strong accuracy and attention to detail.


• Ability to work under minimal supervision.


• Reliability, flexibility and availability to accommodate participant schedules in order to adhere to study protocols.

Working Conditions/Environment:

The work environment for this position is in an office-based research laboratory. The incumbent may sustain posture in a standing or seated position and may utilize a computer terminal for prolonged periods of time. The incumbent may also be required to administer research procedures (laboratory hook-ups and surveys) to study participants in person.  The staff member will be expected to work on site 5 days per week, with exceptions based on PI approval.

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.