Research Assistant

The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Division of Epidemiology is hiring a Research Intern for the summer of 2022 to work with Dr. James Burch on his current research related to cancer prevention, sleep disturbances, heart rate variability (HRV) and related topics.

Position Responsibilities:

· Work with nationally recognized VCU School of Medicine faculty members to observe and assist with current research being conducted and under development.

· Develop competence in using FirstBeat personal heart rate monitors, sleep actigraphy, and similar devices used for HRV measurement and biofeedback (e.g., Thought Technology DeStress, HeartMath Inner Balance, Lief), to better assist the PI and Co-Investigators in ongoing and pilot research.

· Develop competence using Kubios data processing software for HRV analyses.

· Collect, process, and evaluate pilot HRV and related data using these devices to support research involving the processing and management of physiological measures, including personal monitoring of heart rate and rest/activity (sleep actigraphy).

· Complete and apply CITI training for research in human subjects.

· Assist with eligibility screening and patient communications including emails, phone calls, and letters.

· Assist with participant study visits and data collection.

· Assist with equipment and sample pick-up/drop-off, data entry, and validation (mileage will be reimbursed).

· Assist with the delivery of supplies and biospecimens to/from the clinics and laboratory/biorepository.

· Assist with processing of samples in a lab environment and recordkeeping using a tracking database.

· Assist with medical record abstraction and database development.

· Perform quality control data checks to help ensure appropriate project documentation.

· Interface with clinical staff to help ensure clear and consistent communication between the project staff and each recruitment clinic.

· Work effectively as a research staff team member to help ensure smooth project operations, and help to troubleshoot any emergent issues in consultation with the Clinical Research Coordinator, Prinicipal Investigator, and other study team members.

Required Qualifications:

· Must be available to work on-site, in Richmond, Virginia.

· Some local travel may be required to assist with data collection and related duties involving ongoing studies (mileage will be reimbursed).

Preferred Qualifications:

· Previous experience working as a Research Assistant.

· A completed Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Medicine, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field

Hours per week: Up to 30

This is an hourly non-exempt position and therefore is not eligible for participation in the state's health benefits program, life insurance, employer-funded retirement, or cash match programs. The work-hour limit for hourly employees is 1,480 hours annually (365 consecutive days). Work hours include regular and overtime hours, student hours, and any other hours worked in a second job with VCU.

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

This is a restricted position with no set end date OR with a set end date of 00/00/000 and continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.



Salary Range: $17/hour



Position Details:

Department: SOM-Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Division of Epidemiology
Employment Type: H1 - Hourly
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: .50
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt



Contact Information:

Contact Name: Courtney Wilkins

Contact Email: Courtney.wilkins@vcuhealth.org