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Research Assistant

Minneapolis VA Medical Center
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INTRODUCTION

The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support a variety of Industry-sponsored and VA Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) clinical research studies. This position is based on-site at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and will work under the direction of Dr. Areef Ishani, Principal Investigator, and Srihari Raju, Program Manager. The primary purpose of this position is to provide research and administrative support for ongoing VA-sponsored and industry-sponsored (pharmaceutical) trials. A significant portion of this role involves participant recruitment and telephone outreach. The Research Assistant will also be responsible for obtaining informed consent, conducting study visits, performing study assessments, and supporting day-to-day research operations.

The ideal candidate should have strong familiarity with medical terminology and clinical procedures, as well as experience working with patients across a range of medical conditions and functional abilities. This position involves direct interaction with patients in a clinical research setting. Study populations include individuals with kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, or heart failure, those undergoing dialysis, patients receiving care in renal or other specialty medicine clinics, and individuals receiving prosthetic care. This role offers hands-on experience with vital sign and cardiac monitoring, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and other biomedical technologies. Training will be provided for candidates without prior experience in some of these areas.        

 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Assist with office administration and technical support.
  • Support the execution of multiple research projects, including recruitment, screening, and medical chart reviews
  • Obtain informed consent and conduct study assessments in person or by phone, following research protocols and standard operating procedures
  • Perform data entry, maintain databases, and ensure data verification and storage in compliance with study protocols
  • Obtain prescriptions and manage medication orders
  • Communicate with providers to obtain Provider Agreements 
  • Coordinate scheduling and track participant payments
  • Maintain study supplies, files, and equipment in an organized and consistent manner
  • Ensure compliance with research regulatory guidelines, policies, and procedures, including maintaining IRB essential documents
  • Assist in the development of standard operating procedures and other research materials
  • Contribute to preparing technical reports, literature reviews, abstracts, and manuscripts
  • Support data processing, data analysis, and audits
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members and communicate regularly with the study team under the direction of project leaders
  • Assist with other research studies or duties, as directed by supervisor and as time allows

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Completed Bachelor’s (BA/BS) degree in Public Health, Psychology, Pre-Med, or a related allied health field from an accredited institution
  • Ability to prepare and send recruitment letters to potential participants
  • Candidates must have an undergraduate GPA ≥ 3.5
  • U.S. citizenship is required
  • Must be able to commit to the team for a minimum of two years 
  • Willingness to learn and apply medical terminology
  • Comfortable making phone calls to Veterans and leaving voicemails

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to interpret scientific literature, follow research protocols, and draw logical conclusions from data
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills 
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to solve problems independently and creatively 
  • Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain accuracy and attention to detail
  • Strong project management and time management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities
  • Flexible and dependable, with strong analytical skills and follow-through
  • Comfortable using new technologies and adapting to evolving research and database management tools; prior EHR experience preferred but not required
  • Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and adhering to legal, professional, and ethical standards
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Previous experience in clinical research or a healthcare setting preferred but not required
  • Experience working with diverse patient populations, including those with chronic conditions, is a plus

 

COMPENSATION 

  • Candidates must be available to work on-site during standard business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM). This position is 100% in-person and based at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Remote or hybrid work is not permitted
  • Position start date is targeted for up to four months after a final candidate is selected. 
  • Position will be funded full-time with an initial appointment of 12 months. This position may be renewable after 12 months pending project funding and performance.
  • GS7-GS9 level position (based on qualifications) with a starting salary ranging from $55,012-$67,290 based on 2026 OPM Pay Grades. 
  • Position is eligible for full benefits 
  • Subject to a background/security investigation

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To be considered for this position, please submit the following documents to Presley Clark at Presley.Clark@va.gov. Applicants who do not submit all required documentation will not be considered.

  1. CV/resume
  2. Educational transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application)

 

The VA is an Equal Opportunity Employer