Research Assistant II - IUCAR (VR-COG)

Regenstrief Institute, Inc.•Indianapolis, IN

21d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Assistant II provides research study support requiring an independent skill set. The role joins the Center for Aging Research team led by Dr. Sikandar Khan and Dr. Babar Khan, primarily supporting the Virtual Reality Cognitive Intervention for Critically Ill Delirium Survivors (VR-Cog) Study. The study 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, with the remaining time allocated to new pilot projects or existing team studies. The position screens and recruits patients in hospital ICU settings at IU Health Methodist, North, West, and University, and conducts study visits and assessments in participants’ homes. Daily travel to and from the hospital is expected, with multiple travel days per week and participant homes potentially 1–2 hours away. Mileage is reimbursed from Regenstrief Institute as the starting and ending point. This is an on-site position based in the Indianapolis area, with travel to hospitals, clinics, participant homes, and community locations. The Research Assistant completes training to deliver study assessments, reviews medical records for eligibility, coordinates recruitment with clinic staff, obtains informed consent, educates patients about participation, documents feedback, enters and safeguards study data, and contributes to quality improvement. The role also supports other research projects, study operations, staff training, and administrative tasks with limited direct supervision. The position 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 and successful completion of a TB screen are required. Experience in a medical setting or health-related research following protocols and citing literature is preferred. Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and email, are required. The role may require overtime to meet deadlines and a flexible work schedule.

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 is required.
Successful completion of a TB screen is 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 communicate verbally with employees, hospital staff, patients, and study leadership.
Ability to write simple reports and operational correspondence and follow written, oral, diagrammed, or scheduled instructions, policies, procedures, and study protocols.
Ability to solve practical problems, think logically, troubleshoot, analyze situations, and make sound decisions.
Proficient computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and email systems.
Ability to work 40 hours per week and flexibility to work overtime to meet deadlines.
Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods, operate a keyboard and pointing device, travel around campus or to outside meetings, and perform focused work with close attention to detail.
Good speaking and listening skills; ability to push, pull, lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
Ability to work both independently and as a team member and interact with others in person and through phone, email, and written correspondence.
Must receive the annual influenza vaccination unless approved for exemption.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Complete training for precise delivery of study subject assessments, including a neuropsychological battery, Mini Mental Status Exam, and Geriatric Depression Scale.
Travel to participants’ homes to conduct interviews and complete assessments.
Review paper or electronic medical records to determine patient eligibility for the study.
Coordinate with clinic staff to determine optimal times to approach potential subjects.
Assist the Research Coordinator in developing advertising and other recruitment tools.
Recruit patients, 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 subjects.
Enter study data electronically in a timely and accurate manner and participate in quality audits.
Maintain secure, organized study files and assist new staff in doing the same.
Ensure supplies and equipment are available and initiate purchases as needed.
Participate in and contribute to study quality improvement and progress meetings.
Make day-to-day decisions within standard guidelines and anticipate deadlines, milestones, and study assignment needs.
Seek guidance and recommend solutions when assigned tasks, guidelines, or processes deviate; proactively inform the supervisor of deviations from IRB-approved protocols.
Develop efficient recruitment processes and contribute creative solutions to improve guidelines, processes, and standards; help troubleshoot problems.
Provide cross-coverage for other research projects, attend staff meetings, contribute to in-service training, and provide study operations training to staff as needed.
Perform tasks to company standards with limited direct supervision, complete miscellaneous assigned tasks, and handle sensitive situations with poise, tact, and diplomacy.
Communicate study progress and suggest solutions to problems; interact with employees, hospital staff, patients, and study leadership.
Write simple reports and operational correspondence and read and follow policies, procedures, and study protocols.