Current UC San Diego Health Neurosciences employees who apply by 11/08/2024 will have priority consideration for this position. Recruiters will refer qualified internal candidates after the first 7 days of the job posting. All qualified external applicants and additional internal applicants who apply after the priority date may have further consideration pending the results of the initial review.

The Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) is a growing, progressive, multi-center clinical trials consortium created to provide an operational framework for large scale Alzheimer's disease research projects and consists of 7 cores, 22 committees, 35 research sites that are members of the consortium/Steering Committee, and an additional 40 or more research sites located across the U.S. and Canada that participate in one or more trials coordinated by the ADCS. The ADCS is funded by federal and private grants, contracts, and gift support. The ADCS is a unique center (ARO) at UCSD, which collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to forward its mission to discover, develop, and test, new drugs to treat patients with AD. Annual funding for the ADCS grant is approximately $10 million, with additional funding through industry partnerships totaling over $30 million.

The VR Clinical Research Assistant will support the operations of the clinical trial for Pa's Lab at the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) and report directly to Dr. PA, ADCS Co-Director. The lab focuses on identifying genetic and lifestyle risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and developing innovative interventions for improving brain and cognitive health in older adults. Using a combination of cognitive, behavioral, and neuroimaging techniques, our primary goal is Alzheimer's prevention.

The VR Clinical Research Assistant will entail participant recruitment, outreach to the community, participant education, online and phone screening, enrollment, scheduling, and study visit assessments. The assistant will also interact with participants who are undergoing physical activity and virtual reality experiences during lab-based training visits. This includes explaining the process, answering questions, and ensuring comfort and safety. The assistant will also create, maintain, and update study databases and support daily procedures related to analyses for publication and presentation preparation.

In addition, the incumbent will create informational and recruitment materials and act as a liaison with other UCSD departments and agencies as needed. The assistant will provide education and information to the general public concerning the ongoing clinical trial. Assist with other project and miscellaneous duties as required.

• Theoretical knowledge of psychology generally acquired through a bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Knowledge of clinical neurosciences and cognitive neuroscience, primarily in patients with cognitive impairment.

• Strong demonstrated experience with computers (Personal computer and Macintosh). Skill with personal computers, word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail software, databases, etc. Specifically Linux OS, Adobe, and the Microsoft office suite (excel, access, PowerPoint, word, etc).

• Excellent record keeping, database management, detail oriented, logical, methodological approach to problem solving, strong process orientation, strong administrative and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize assignments, maintain workflow, and work productively in meeting critical deadlines and milestones.

• Demonstrated knowledge of human subjects research policies and procedures. Knowledge of the human subject consent process, and federal government regulations pertaining to consenting of subjects. On-line training certificate (acquired on job). Knowledge of IRB, and sponsored research requirements.

• Ability to prioritize workload and work independently and seek guidance or information when appropriate

• Ability to maintain and protect confidentiality of participant information with working knowledge of mandated reporting procedures.

• Experience with the recruitment of underserved communities or related experience.

• Experience collecting, coding, and scoring data using computerized measures according to study protocol.

• Experience with online and phone screens of participants.

• Experience administering neurocognitive and behavioral assessments.

• Experience administering detailed clinical interviews.

• Previous experience in a clinical research setting.

• Proven effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills in English

• Experience collecting, handling, and shipping biological specimens.

• Experience with electronic data capture systems like Redcap.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Availability to work evenings and weekends, as needed.

• Reliable transportation required.

• 100% onsite position