Psychology Assistant

The Resilience/Resistance to Alzheimer’s Disease in Centenarians and Offspring (RADCO) study, is a multi-site research study taking place at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and 6 other institutes across the country that aims to understand the biological processes that contribute to healthy longevity and protection from Alzheimer’s disease.  The Albert Einstein College of Medicine site seeks a Research Assistant (RA) to be responsible for collection and management of study participant data. Data collection will include working as a member of a team with other research assistants to collect clinical data from study participants ages 35 years to 120 years during virtual visits.  Data include cognitive and physical function measures. The RA will receive standardized training in conducting these measures. Additionally, the RA may briefly visit the study participants at their homes to collect a blood sample and set up study equipment.  Previous phlebotomy experience is highly desirable though willingness to take part in a phlebotomy course to learn these skills is also acceptable.

Some home visits require driving to participants’ homes. Driving usually occurs within a 3 hours distance of New York City. The RA will have the opportunity to participate in academic activities and contribute to research projects related to the study that are of interest to them. These include participation in journal clubs, attendance of scientific talks, data review, and contribution to presentations for national academic meetings and publications.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

1. Recruits subjects to participate in the study by using approved methodologies, such as, reaching to healthcare providers for referrals, visiting clinics, sending mailouts, using approved advertisements, etc.
2. Conducts the enrollment of study participants, including explaining research procedures, and obtaining informed consent of subjects and/or their families.
3. Schedules appointments of study participants; conducts reminder phone calls and/or sends mailouts.
4. Performs virtual visits with subjects to collect data via video or telephone.
5. Visits subjects at their place of residence or at mutually agreed upon place to collect a blood sample.
6. Conducts routine and specialized tests with higher level of problem resolution, analytical ability and self-direction.
7. Reviews the data collection forms for each enrollee for completion and quality; ensures timely and accurate entry.
8. Follows established procedures, making judgmental decisions regarding reliability and accuracy of results, repeating procedures when needed. Requires initiative and independence.
9. Enters data in the study database with precision and accuracy.
10. Begins to synthesize and interpret results. May prepare written and verbal status reports. Uses statistical and graphic summaries.
11. Other research-related tasks assigned

• Bachelor's degree required. Courses in Science or Psychology-related field preferred.
• Some experience is preferred, but not required 
• Proficiency with basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and data entry using a computer data system
• Good interpersonal skills
• Strong communication skills
• Interest in working with older individuals
• Willingness to learn new clinical skills
• Ability to work well in a team setting and independently is essential
• Valid driver’s license is preferred, but not required