Research Assistant II - Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences' RECOVER

UTHealth Houston•Houston, TX

15h•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.
Ability to evaluate prior medication trials, psychotherapy treatments, psychiatric hospitalizations, and neuromodulation interventions to support study eligibility determinations.
Solid understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), human subjects protection, and research ethics.
Experience coordinating clinical research studies and interacting with study participants.
Proficiency with Epic, REDCap, Microsoft Office, electronic data capture systems.
Experience with source documentation, regulatory compliance, and electronic case report forms (eCRFs).
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Strict adherence to confidentiality and HIPAA requirements.
Experience working with individuals with major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, or other serious mental illnesses.
Bachelor's Degree required.
2 years of specialized experience in research or lab environment required.
Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Participant identification, eligibility determination, study coordination, and long-term follow-up of participants enrolled in VNS research.
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.
Synthesize complex clinical information and communicate findings effectively to investigators and clinical staff.
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.
Work closely with psychiatrists, neurosurgeons, research coordinators, sponsors, and study participants to ensure compliance with study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and regulatory requirements.
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.
Maintains clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
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.
Maintains compliance with required training.
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.

Benefits

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)
Awesome retirement/pension plan
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