Research Assistant II - Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences' RECOVER

The Research Assistant II will support the RECOVER clinical trial, a multi-center study evaluating Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Therapy for individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), conducted at the Center for Interventional Psychiatry (CIP) at the UCT Clinic. This position plays a critical role in participant identification, eligibility determination, study coordination, and long-term follow-up of participants enrolled in VNS research.

The position requires extensive review and interpretation of psychiatric and medical records to determine study eligibility, including assessment of prior antidepressant medication trials, psychotherapy history, psychiatric hospitalizations, neuromodulation treatments, medical comorbidities, and other factors relevant to treatment-resistant depression. The Research Assistant II must be able to synthesize complex clinical information and communicate findings effectively to investigators and clinical staff.

Responsibilities include participant recruitment, informed consent, clinical and research assessments, regulatory documentation, data collection, and coordination of study procedures across screening, implantation, and longitudinal follow-up phases. The Research Assistant II will work closely with psychiatrists, neurosurgeons, research coordinators, sponsors, and study participants to ensure compliance with study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and regulatory requirements.

This position is ideal for individuals with advanced training in health sciences, psychology, psychiatry, or medicine who are interested in clinical research involving treatment-resistant depression, neuromodulation, and interventional psychiatry. Schedule is Monday through Friday, with routine start times at 8:00 AM, at our Center for Interventional Psychiatry Clinic. Occasional flexibility may be required based on participant schedules and study needs.

Candidates may possess a Master’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Public Health, Clinical Research, Nursing, Social Work, or a related health sciences field, or an MD (or equivalent) obtained outside the United States that does not require U.S. licensure for this research position. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong knowledge of psychiatric disorders, including treatment-resistant depression, as well as psychopharmacology, psychotherapy interventions, and common medical comorbidities. Experience conducting comprehensive medical record reviews and synthesizing complex psychiatric and medical histories is essential, along with the ability to evaluate prior medication trials, psychotherapy treatments, psychiatric hospitalizations, and neuromodulation interventions to support study eligibility determinations. Candidates should have a solid understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), human subjects protection, and research ethics, and experience coordinating clinical research studies and interacting with study participants. Familiarity with interventional psychiatry treatments—such as Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and ketamine-based therapies—is strongly preferred. Proficiency with Epic, REDCap, Microsoft Office, electronic data capture systems, and experience with source documentation, regulatory compliance, and electronic case report forms (eCRFs) are required. The role demands strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, strict adherence to confidentiality and HIPAA requirements, and experience working with individuals with major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, or other serious mental illnesses.

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:

• 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)
• The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!
• Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)
• Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as...

• Free financial and legal counseling
• Free mental health counseling services
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
• Resources for child and elder care
• Plus many more!

Position Summary:

Under general direction, conducts basic/ translational research, which may include animal work and other research activities. Research activities may include some or all of the following: handle biological samples, perform laboratory experiments and activities, and data collection. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices.

Additional research duties include conducting comprehensive pre-screening and detailed medical record reviews to assess participant eligibility, including evaluation of psychiatric diagnoses, treatment history, psychotherapy exposure, medication trials, medical comorbidities, and prior interventional treatments. The position involves synthesizing complex psychiatric and medical histories for investigator review, identifying relevant prior treatments for treatment-resistant depression, and supporting eligibility determinations. Other duties include recruiting and screening participants, obtaining informed consent, coordinating and scheduling study visits and long-term follow-ups, and administering or assisting with psychiatric, cognitive, and behavioral assessments per protocol. The role also requires accurate data collection, entry, and quality control within electronic data capture systems, as well as maintaining source documentation, regulatory files, and essential study records in compliance with regulatory standards. The assistant will collaborate closely with investigators, clinical teams, sponsors, CROs, and regulatory offices, monitor participant safety, report adverse events and protocol deviations, support audits and monitoring visits, and implement strategies to promote participant retention throughout the study lifecycle.

Position Key Accountabilities:

• Under general direction, performs laboratory experiments and activities to support research objectives.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation including notebooks, records, databases, etc. as needed by the research project. May prepare graphic representations of data results.
• Maintains clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
• Under general direction, monitors laboratory and/or other supplies to ensure sufficient inventory to support research projects in a timely manner.
• Stays abreast of new and updated procedures and protocols for research laboratory. Must maintain compliance with required training. May participates in continuing education programs, seminars, and workshops.
• As needed, coordinates the work of laboratory technicians, support staff and other assistants to ensure efficient, timely and high quality results. Answers questions or resolves problems regarding routine or more complex duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

None

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree required May substitute required education with equivalent years of experience beyond the minimum experience requirement.

Minimum Experience:

One year of related experience in a research or clinical lab environment.

May substitute required experience with equivalent years of education beyond the minimum education requirement.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.