Research Assistant I (Psychology)

About the Role

Full-time on-site clinical research assistant position in the Vanderbilt Center for Cognitive Medicine, supporting clinical research focused on geriatric depression. This role assists with participant recruitment, scheduling, consenting (under PI/supervisor direction), data collection/entry, and study visits related to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), computerized cognitive training, cognitive testing, and brain-based biomarkers of treatment response.

The clinical research assistant will work alongside the principal investigator (Sarah Szymkowicz, PhD, ABPP) to conduct a randomized controlled trial of neurostimulation (tDCS) paired with computerized cognitive training aimed to improve cognitive and brain functioning in geriatric depression. This position requires a desire to work directly with participants, as well as excellent organizational and data management skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial outreach, pre-screening, and schedule eligible participants (independently or in conjunction with other clinical research staff).
• Communicate visit logistics and reminders; document outreach outcomes.
• Explain study procedures and obtain informed consent, as delegated by the PI.
• Conduct clinical interviews of psychiatric symptoms and administer symptom questionnaires.
• Administer cognitive tests and score per protocol (under the supervision of a board-certified neuropsychologist).
• Carry out neuroimaging study protocols.
• Set up and administer tDCS and computerized cognitive training according to established protocols; promptly escalate issues to supervisor/PI.
• Monitor participants during sessions for safety, tolerability, and adverse effects.
• Document treatment details, participant responses, and any adverse events in the research records.
• Use EPrime to collect and analyze data.
• Enter data into approved databases (e.g., REDCap); perform routine QC checks.
• Maintain participant trackers and follow-up logs.
• Clean and prepare study datasets (e.g., REDCap), run basic descriptive statistics, and generate simple tables/figures under supervision.
• Perform routine data quality checks (range/logic, missingness), maintain de-identified, securely stored files, and document steps for reproducibility.
• Prepare rooms/materials; assist with visit flow and post-visit documentation.
• Maintain source documents and regulatory binders as directed.
• Track supplies; coordinate with clinic/study staff for room/equipment scheduling.
• Participate in team meetings and trainings.
• Assist with simple literature look-ups and drafting of routine study summaries as assigned.
• Assist with manuscript preparation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, biology, chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience in clinical research is highly desirable.
• High level of interpersonal skills, organization, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.
• Reliability and clear written and verbal communication.
• Desire to work directly with participants.
• Capability of working independently.

Training in clinical interviewing and administration of tDCS, computerized cognitive training, cognitive testing, and neuroimaging data acquisition will be provided.

Skills

• Excellent organizational and data management skills.
• Highly motivated with a strong interest in geriatric mental health, neuropsychology, neuromodulation, digital cognitive interventions, and clinical trials.
• Ability to use EPrime for data collection and analysis.
• Familiarity with REDCap or similar databases for data entry and management.

Benefits

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement, and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

About the Organization

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) operates at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care. VUMC is a community where expertise is valued, knowledge is expanded, and abilities are challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and uniqueness is celebrated.

Vanderbilt’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research. The Office of Research provides shared research resources, administrative expertise, and professional guidance to enable a trans-disciplinary environment and highly collaborative culture.