Research Assistant I (Psychology)

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Clinical Research Assistant in the Vanderbilt Center for Cognitive Medicine. Full-time on-site clinical research assistant will support clinical research focused on geriatric depression in the Center for Cognitive Medicine. The role assists with participant recruitment, scheduling, consenting (under PI/supervisor direction), data collection/entry, and study visits related to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), computerized cognitive training, cognitive testing, and brain-based biomarkers of treatment response.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, biology, chemistry, or a related field.
High level of interpersonal skills, organization, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.
Reliability and clear written and verbal communication are also desired.

Nice To Haves

Experience in clinical research is highly desirable.
Individuals interested in geriatric mental health, neuropsychology, neuromodulation, digital cognitive interventions, and clinical trials are especially encouraged to apply.
This position is ideal for 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 (independently or in conjunction with other clinical research staff)
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.