Staff Research Associate III

Position Definition:

The incumbent will provide 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 will apply advanced knowledge of clinical research methodology, neuroimaging protocols, regulatory requirements, and Alzheimer's disease research to independently evaluate study operations, interpret research findings and data trends, develop solutions to complex research challenges, and contribute to the scientific objectives of the research program.

Essential Functions

Research Coordination and Study Operations (Approximately 85%)

• 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 oversight of participant recruitment, screening, enrollment, scheduling, retention, and follow-up activities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for study issues and collaborating research partners.
• Evaluate, validate, and manage complex clinical, research datasets as assigned; identify discrepancies, assess data quality, and implement corrective actions to ensure integrity and regulatory compliance.
• 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 institutional review board (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 achievement of study objectives.
• Collaborate with investigators in the preparation of scientific reports, abstracts, presentations, manuscripts, and sponsor deliverables through synthesis and interpretation of study data and findings.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in the interpretation and application of research protocols, sponsor requirements, regulatory standards, and institutional policies to support study execution and compliance
• Maintain research records, source documentation, regulatory binders, and study files in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.
• Coordinate communication among investigators, study staff, sponsors, clinical partners, and external collaborators.
• Provide training and guidance to research staff, students, and study personnel regarding 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 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 current scientific literature related to neurodegenerative disease research, neuroimaging techniques, and clinical trial methodology to support study activities and research objectives.

Administrative Support (Approximately 15%)

• Coordinate study-related meetings and maintain meeting 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.

Job 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 experience with 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 (GCP), 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.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Experience with multi-site studies, longitudinal research projects, or federally funded research programs is preferred.
• Knowledge of Alzheimer's disease research, neurodegenerative disorders, or ADNI-related research methodology is desirable.

Working Conditions/Environment:

The work environment is an administrative research office and in-home data collection. It may include minor annoyances such as noise, temperature variations, etc. In-office work at our Mission Bay and/or SFVAHCS sites is expected once a workweek and as needed. In compliance with local/state/federal health orders, work may be conducted remotely the rest of the time. The incumbent may be required to sustain standing and seated postures and to use a computer keyboard and display monitor for prolonged periods. Candidates with a valid California driver's license are preferred for this role, as the position may involve travel to various data collection sites.

VA Onboarding Requirements:

NCIRE is an affiliate organization of the San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS), which requires all candidates to complete SFVA onboarding in addition to NCIRE's onboarding process. The SFVA is a federal agency that requires a federal background check, occupational health clearance, vaccines and immunizations, and drug testing for certain positions. Drug testing may include screening for marijuana which remains an illegal substance according to federal law. The failure to pass required drug testing will disqualify candidates from employment.

The base salary range for this position is $70,304.00-$93,060.24 per year. The base salary actually offered to a successful candidate will take into account various relevant and non-discriminatory business factors including, without limitation, the candidate's geographic location, job-related experience, knowledge, and skills, and education, as well as internal equity considerations. A successful candidate may also be eligible to earn additional compensation including bonuses.