Staff Research Associate III

Ncire•San Francisco, CA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Staff Research Associate III provides advanced research coordination and operational support for Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and 3T/7T research MRI clinical studies. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator and study leadership, the incumbent applies advanced knowledge of clinical research methodology, neuroimaging protocols, regulatory requirements, and Alzheimer’s disease research to evaluate study operations, interpret research findings and data trends, develop solutions to complex research challenges, and contribute to the research program’s scientific objectives. Approximately 85% of the role is devoted to research coordination and study operations, including overseeing study activities, participant recruitment and follow-up, complex data management, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, staff guidance, and support for advanced neuroimaging protocols. Approximately 15% involves administrative support, such as coordinating meetings, managing supplies and study documentation, maintaining tracking tools, and assisting with budget tracking and reporting. The work environment includes an administrative research office and in-home data collection. In-office work at Mission Bay and/or SFVAHCS sites is expected once per workweek and as needed; in compliance with health orders, work may be conducted remotely the rest of the time. The position may involve travel to data collection sites. Candidates with a valid California driver’s license are preferred. Candidates must complete SFVA onboarding in addition to NCIRE onboarding. SFVA onboarding includes a federal background check and occupational health clearance, including required vaccines and immunizations. Drug testing is required for certain positions and may include screening for marijuana; failure to pass required testing disqualifies candidates from employment. Because the position requires access to United States Government research under Veterans Administration regulations, qualified U.S. citizens will be selected over other individuals eligible to work in the United States. Eligible non-citizens may be considered if no qualified U.S. citizens apply. The base salary range is $70,304.00–$93,060.24 per year. The salary offered will account for relevant, non-discriminatory factors, including geographic location, job-related experience, knowledge, skills, education, and internal equity. A successful candidate may also be eligible for additional compensation, including bonuses. NCIRE is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to equal employment opportunity and merit-based employment decisions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, ideally in public health, health sciences, psychology, biological sciences, nursing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in clinical or translational research, including scientific data evaluation, research methodology, protocol implementation, and complex multi-site studies.
Experience with human subjects research and regulatory requirements, including IRB submissions and informed consent processes.
Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice, human subjects protection, and clinical research regulations.
Knowledge of scientific methodology and research literature sufficient to contribute original ideas.
Experience managing research data and electronic data capture systems.
Ability to coordinate multiple research activities simultaneously while meeting deadlines and study objectives.
Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with investigators, research staff, study participants, and external collaborators.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, database systems, and research tracking tools.
Ability to sustain standing and seated postures and use a computer keyboard and display monitor for prolonged periods.
Completion of required NCIRE and SFVA onboarding, including federal background check and occupational health clearance; drug testing applies to certain positions.

Nice To Haves

Experience with multi-site studies, longitudinal research projects, or federally funded research programs.
Knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease research, neurodegenerative disorders, or ADNI-related research methodology.
Valid California driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day activities for ADNI and related neurodegenerative disease research studies in accordance with study protocols, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.
Facilitate research operations, including participant recruitment, screening, enrollment, scheduling, retention, and follow-up.
Serve as the primary point of contact for study issues and collaborating research partners.
Evaluate, validate, and manage complex clinical and research datasets; identify discrepancies, assess data quality, and implement corrective actions.
Assess study performance metrics, protocol adherence, and data quality trends; recommend and implement procedural modifications to improve scientific rigor, efficiency, and participant retention.
Prepare and maintain IRB, ethics, and regulatory submissions, including continuing reviews, amendments, and study documentation.
Analyze study milestones, enrollment trends, participant retention metrics, visit completion rates, and data collection outcomes to identify risks and support study objectives.
Collaborate with investigators to prepare scientific reports, abstracts, presentations, manuscripts, and sponsor deliverables by synthesizing and interpreting study data and findings.
Apply independent judgment in interpreting and applying research protocols, sponsor requirements, regulatory standards, and institutional policies.
Maintain research records, source documentation, regulatory binders, and study files in accordance with Good Clinical Practice standards.
Coordinate communication among investigators, study staff, sponsors, clinical partners, and external collaborators.
Provide training and guidance to research staff, students, and study personnel on protocol implementation, research procedures, data quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
Support quality assurance activities, study audits, monitoring visits, and data verification processes.
Identify operational challenges and recommend process improvements to improve study efficiency and participant experience.
Support implementation and quality oversight of advanced neuroimaging protocols, including evaluation of imaging data completeness, protocol adherence, and technical performance metrics.
Review and synthesize scientific literature related to neurodegenerative disease research, neuroimaging techniques, and clinical trial methodology.
Coordinate study-related meetings and maintain agendas and minutes as needed.
Assist with purchasing, supply inventory management, and processing study-related documentation.
Maintain study calendars, tracking logs, and project management tools.
Support budget tracking and administrative reporting associated with research activities.
Perform other research-related administrative duties as assigned.