Research Assistant I (Psychology)

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is seeking a full-time, on-site Clinical Research Assistant for the Vanderbilt Center for Cognitive Medicine. This role will support clinical research focused on geriatric depression. The position involves assisting with participant recruitment, scheduling, consenting (under PI/supervisor direction), data collection/entry, and conducting study visits related to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), computerized cognitive training, cognitive testing, and brain-based biomarkers of treatment response. The ideal candidate is highly motivated, capable of working independently, and possesses strong interpersonal skills, organization, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities. This role is ideal for individuals interested in pursuing an MD or PhD in neuropsychology, psychology, neuroscience, or a related field.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, biology, chemistry, or a related field.
Experience in clinical research is highly desirable.
High level of interpersonal skills.
High level of organization.
High level of attention to detail.
High level of problem-solving abilities.
Reliability.
Clear written and verbal communication.

Nice To Haves

Individuals interested in geriatric mental health, neuropsychology, neuromodulation, digital cognitive interventions, and clinical trials are especially encouraged to apply.
Individuals interested in pursuing an MD or PhD in neuropsychology, psychology, neuroscience, or a related field.

Responsibilities

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.
Conduct clinical interviews of psychiatric symptoms and administer symptom questionnaires.
Administer cognitive tests and score per protocol (under the supervision of a board-certified neuropsychologist).
Carry out neuroimaging study protocols.
Set up and administer tDCS and computerized cognitive training according to established protocols; promptly escalate issues to supervisor/PI.
Monitor participants during sessions for safety, tolerability, and adverse effects.
Document treatment details, participant responses, and any adverse events in the research records.
Use EPrime to collect and analyze data.
Enter data into approved databases (e.g., REDCap); perform routine QC checks.
Maintain participant trackers and follow-up logs.
Clean and prepare study datasets (e.g., REDCap), 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.
Maintain source documents and regulatory binders as directed.
Track supplies; coordinate with clinic/study staff for room/equipment scheduling.
Participate in team meetings and trainings.
Assist with simple literature look-ups and drafting of routine study summaries as assigned.
Assist with manuscript preparation.
Other duties as assigned.