Research Specialist (Clinical Research Health Educator)

Position Definition and Essential Functions

Researchers from the Northern California Institute for Research and Education, the San Francisco VA Health Care System, and the University of California, San Francisco are conducting a four-year clinical trial for older Veterans with a history of chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cognitive complaints. Under the supervision of the Director/Principal Investigator at the Center for Population Brain Health (CPBH), the incumbent will support the implementation of personalized lifestyle coaching and, under the supervision of a neuropsychologist, lead group and individual sessions in cognitive training for the intervention cohort. The lifestyle coach will utilize motivational interviewing, goal setting, and risk factor-specific training related to social activity, sleep, diet, and other modifiable risk factors for dementia. Both the lifestyle coaching and the cognitive training will be administered virtually over a period of several months. The incumbent may also assist in study recruitment, telephone screening, and neuropsychological assessment. Throughout the research project the incumbent will work closely with investigators and other study staff at NCIRE, SFVAHCS, UCSF and additional study team members at the Palo Alto VA.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and minimum three years experience or equivalent experience / training.
• Experience working as a health educator.
• Ability to effectively interact with an older population with multiple comorbidities.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Must be highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision and problem solve.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Psychology or related field.
• Prior experience in a research setting or working on a clinical trial.
• Prior experience working with Veteran populations.
• Experience delivering programs remotely.
• Content knowledge of TBI, dementia, and dementia risk factors.

Working Conditions/Environment

The work environment is a shared office space. It may include minor annoyances such as noise, temperature variations, etc. The incumbent may be required to sustain standing and seated postures and to use a computer keyboard and display monitor for prolonged periods.

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 salary range for this position is $81,203.20 - $170,227.20. 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.

The Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.  NCIRE is committed to a policy that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, Veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under federal and state law, and to make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We are committed to furthering the principle of equal employment opportunity. NCIRE actively works to attract and retain talented individuals. NCIRE offers career opportunities in research and administration in pursuit of furthering medical research for our nation’s Veterans.