Research Assistant II - IUCAR (VR-COG)

Regenstrief Institute•Indianapolis, IN

20d•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Aging Research is seeking a Research Assistant II to support the research team led by Dr. Sikandar Khan and Dr. Babar Khan. The primary study is the Virtual Reality Cognitive Intervention for Critically Ill Delirium Survivors (VR-Cog) Study, which evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and adherence of four weeks of at-home virtual reality cognitive training for ICU survivors aged 65 and older. At least 50% of the employee’s time will be devoted to VR-Cog; remaining time will support new pilot projects or existing team studies. The role involves screening and recruiting patients in ICU settings at IU Health Methodist, IU Health North, IU Health West, and IU Health University, as well as conducting study visits in participants’ homes. The position is based on-site in the Indianapolis area and requires travel to hospitals, clinics, and participant homes, sometimes up to one to two hours away. Multiple travel days per week may be required depending on business needs. Mileage is reimbursed from Regenstrief Institute as the starting and ending point. The Research Assistant II provides support for research studies according to their protocols and is expected to work with a more independent skill set. The position performs study assessments, reviews medical records for eligibility, recruits and educates participants, obtains informed consent, documents study data and feedback, maintains study files and supplies, and contributes to quality improvement and study operations. The employee makes day-to-day decisions within standard guidelines, identifies risks to study milestones, and promptly informs the supervisor about deviations from IRB-approved protocols. The role requires a high school diploma and one year of research, healthcare, or related experience, or a bachelor’s degree plus some healthcare-setting experience. Human Subjects Certification is required. The position requires the ability to work 40 hours per week and flexibility to work overtime to meet deadlines. TB screening is required. Sponsorship and relocation are not available.

Requirements

High school diploma and one year of research, healthcare, or related experience; or a bachelor’s degree plus some healthcare-setting experience.
Human Subjects Certification required.
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to inform study leadership about study progress and suggest solutions to problems.
Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
Ability to interact and communicate verbally with employees, hospital staff, patients, and study leadership.
Ability to write simple reports and operational correspondence.
Ability to read and follow general policies, procedures, and study protocols.
Ability to solve practical problems and handle situations with limited standardization.
Ability to interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule-based instructions and contribute to solutions.
Logical thinking and sound judgment for troubleshooting and analysis.
Proficient computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and email systems.
Ability to work 40 hours per week, including flexibility to work overtime to meet deadlines.
Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods and operate a keyboard and pointing device.
Ability to travel around campus or to outside meetings as necessary.
Focused work and close attention to detail, with good speaking and listening skills.
Ability to push, pull, lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
Successful completion of a TB screen.
Ability to travel to hospitals, clinics, and participants’ homes, including multiple days per week as business needs require.
Annual influenza vaccination unless approved for exemption.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a medical setting or health-related research following protocols and citing literature is preferred.

Responsibilities

Complete training for accurate delivery of study assessments, including neuropsychological batteries, the Mini-Mental Status Exam, and the Geriatric Depression Scale.
Travel to participants’ homes to conduct interviews and complete assessments.
Review paper or electronic medical records to determine patient eligibility for studies.
Coordinate with clinic staff to identify appropriate times to approach potential participants.
Assist the Research Coordinator in developing advertising and other recruitment tools.
Recruit patients, explain study benefits, obtain informed consent, complete required documentation, and conduct final screening.
Educate patients about trial participation, including incentives.
Document participant feedback, assess it critically, and present potential solutions to the study team.
Arrange transportation and parking for participants.
Enter study data electronically in a timely and accurate manner and participate in quality audits.
Maintain study files securely and in an organized manner; assist new staff with file practices.
Ensure study supplies and equipment are available and initiate purchases as needed.
Participate in study quality improvement and progress meetings and contribute to improving study processes, efficiency, security, and compliance.
Make day-to-day decisions within standard guidelines and anticipate deadlines, milestones, and study needs.
Seek guidance and propose solutions when assigned tasks, guidelines, or processes require deviation; proactively inform the supervisor of deviations from IRB-approved protocols and recommend next steps.
Contribute creatively to efficient recruitment processes and improvements to guidelines, processes, and standards; help troubleshoot problems.
Provide cross-coverage for other research projects.
Attend staff meetings and contribute to in-service training as required.
Provide study operations training to other staff as necessary.
Complete tasks to company standards with limited direct supervision, perform other assigned tasks, and seek additional work as time permits.
Handle sensitive situations with poise, tact, and diplomacy.