Project Coordinator - 139438

The research project is devoted to understanding the biological mechanisms underlying the more aggressive manifestation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in women versus men including sex hormones and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, we will investigate the lifestyle characteristics that impact these mechanisms. This project will involve a combination of cutting-edge experimental techniques in older women at-risk for AD including genotyping, cognitive testing, neuroimaging (Tau PET and MRI), biomarker measures and wearable technologies to assess sleep and physical activity.

The research project is devoted to understanding the biological mechanisms underlying the more aggressive manifestation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in women versus men including sex hormones and Tau accumulation and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, we will investigate the lifestyle characteristics that impact these mechanisms. This project will involve a combination of cutting-edge experimental techniques in older women at-risk for AD including genotyping, questionnaires, cognitive testing, neuroimaging (Tau PET and MRI), blood biomarker measures and wearable technologies to assess sleep and physical activity. Study visits will be conducted at community centers in the San Diego region.

The incumbent will serve as a research project associate coordinator among a team of multidisciplinary team of scientist although primary supervision will be under the project PIs. The position will entail participant recruitment, outreach to the community, participant education, screening, scheduling, and conduction of study visits including neurocognitive testing and scoring and facilitating participants' medical procedures and MRI and PET neuroimaging sessions with UCSD medical and technical groups. Incumbent will be responsible for creating, maintaining and updating study databases and for managing procedures related to the UCSD Institutional Review Board and providing support in analyses and publication and presentation preparation. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Theoretical knowledge of psychology, neuroscience, biology, cognitive science, statistics, computer science or related field preferred as typically attained by a bachelor's degree and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 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.

• Experience in a clinical research environment including basic understanding of persons with dementia, and preferred experience with recruitment, scheduling, and testing patients for clinical study.

• Experience using Redcap.

• Working knowledge of medical and scientific terminology.

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

• Proven ability to determine sources of clinical data, analyze the data and information obtained, in order to create documents and to propose solutions to issues and to help in developing standardized operational procedures.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with Human Subject Requirements.

• Ability to stay abreast of new research developments and conduct focused literature searches and summarize this information to assist in preparation of manuscripts and grant applications.

• Skill in assembling written narrative information using word processing software for documenting image analysis procedures and tracking data.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to use tact and diplomacy with subjects (including patients with cognitive impairment), their families, faculty and institutional staff, as well as when representing the agency in the community.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and communicate effectively and diplomatically at all organizational levels, both verbally and in writing. Ability to work professionally and effectively with a diverse population, including the business community, academicians, staff and students.

• Ability to liaise with leaders and members of the public to identify and contact potential study participants.

• Experience with or understanding of health disparities research.

• Skill in working independently and following through on assignments with minimal supervision. Good judgment to know when to ask for assistance from supervisor in cases where regulations, policies and procedures are not clear.

• 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.

• Working knowledge of UCSD Human Research Protections Program policies and Procedures.

• Experience with community-based participatory research (CBPR) practices.

• Experience administering and scoring neuropsychological assessments.

• Must have access to reliable means of transportation.
• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Employment is subject to pre-employment physical for those who work in clinical settings and/or with patients.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
• Complies with the University of California, San Diego Health (UCSDH) Principles of Community.
• This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.