Staff Research Associate III
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. The role independently evaluates study operations, interprets research findings and data trends, develops solutions to complex research challenges, and contributes to the research program's scientific objectives. Approximately 85% of the position involves research coordination and study operations, including oversight of study activities, participant recruitment and follow-up, data quality, regulatory compliance, scientific reporting, staff guidance, and neuroimaging protocol quality. Approximately 15% involves administrative support such as coordinating meetings, maintaining study calendars and records, assisting with purchasing and inventory, and supporting budget tracking and reporting. The work environment includes an administrative research office and in-home data collection. In-office work at the Mission Bay and/or SFVAHCS sites is expected once a workweek and as needed; work may be conducted remotely the rest of the time, subject to applicable health orders. The position may involve travel to various data collection sites. Candidates must complete SFVA onboarding in addition to NCIRE onboarding, including a federal background check, occupational health clearance, vaccines and immunizations, and drug testing for certain positions. Qualified U.S. citizens will be selected over other individuals eligible to work in the United States, as required for access to Veterans Administration research.
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.
- Minimum 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 working 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.
- Completion of required SFVA onboarding, including a federal background check, occupational health clearance, vaccines and immunizations, and drug testing for 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.
- A valid California driver's license.
Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day activities for ADNI and related neurodegenerative disease research studies in accordance with protocols, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.
- Facilitate 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, protocol adherence, and data quality trends; recommend and implement procedural improvements.
- Prepare and maintain IRB, ethics, and regulatory submissions, including continuing reviews, amendments, and study documentation.
- Analyze study milestones, enrollment trends, participant retention, visit completion rates, and data collection outcomes to identify risks and support study objectives.
- Collaborate with investigators on 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.
- Train and guide research staff, students, and study personnel on protocol implementation, research procedures, data quality, and regulatory requirements.
- Support quality assurance activities, study audits, monitoring visits, and data verification.
- Identify operational challenges and recommend process improvements to enhance 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 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
