Clinical Research Assistant – Neuroscientists Exploring Advances in Technology (NEAT) Lab

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 supports clinical research in the Neuroscientists Exploring Advances in Technology (NEAT) lab. The role assists with participant recruitment, scheduling, consenting (under PI/supervisor direction), data collection/entry, and basic study visit support related to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), neuropsychological functioning, and biomarkers of treatment response. Training will be provided.

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

• Treatment Administration
  • Set up and operate TMS equipment according to established protocols.
  • Accurately position the treatment coil and adjust parameters as prescribed by the supervising clinician or protocol.
  • Monitor patients/participants during sessions for safety, tolerability, and adverse effects.
  • Document treatment details, patient responses, and any adverse events in medical or research records.
• Conduct initial outreach, pre-screening, and schedule eligible participants.
• Communicate visit logistics and reminders; document outreach outcomes.
• Explain study procedures and obtain informed consent as delegated by the PI.
• Administer basic neurocognitive and symptom checklist assessments; score per protocol.
• Enter data into case report forms and approved databases (e.g., REDCap); perform routine QC checks.
• Maintain participant trackers and follow-up logs.
• Clean and prepare study datasets (e.g., REDCap/device exports), run basic descriptive statistics, and generate simple tables/figures under supervision.
• Perform routine data quality checks (range/logic, missingness), maintain de-identified, securely stored files, and document steps for reproducibility.
• Prepare rooms/materials; assist with visit flow and post-visit documentation.
• Support TMS session setup/checklists as trained; promptly escalate issues to the supervisor/PI.
• Maintain source documents, regulatory binders, and site files as directed.
• Track supplies; coordinate with clinic/study staff for room/equipment scheduling.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and huddles; complete required VA/PAVIR trainings.
• Assist with simple literature look-ups and drafting of routine study summaries as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience;
• 0–1 year of related experience (internships, practicum, volunteer roles, or lab coursework acceptable).;
• Desired: Master's degree;
• Prior exposure to clinical or research settings (e.g., patient contact, data entry);
• Interest in clinical research and comfort interacting with participants.
• Ability to learn and follow study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and VA/PAVIR procedures (training provided).
• Basic data skills (Excel/Google Sheets); willingness to learn REDCap or similar systems.
• Clear written and verbal communication; strong attention to detail and documentation habits.
• Reliable, organized, and able to follow direction, ask questions, and escalate concerns promptly.
• Professionalism, teamwork, and sensitivity to diverse patient populations
• Preferred: Familiarity with informed consent processes, neurocognitive/symptom assessments, or TMS-training provided if not yet experienced.

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.