Summary

Become an active member of a translational research team investigating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and related conditions. Provide responsible coordination and assistance in support of clinical research projects by completing assignments requiring a basic knowledge of fundamental techniques and practices related to neurology and genetics, working under minimal supervision by a higher-level research staff member.

Seeking a highly motivated, responsible, and organized individual to join a research team focused on understanding the genetics and pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. The individual will participate in studies directed by Dr. Joshua Shulman and colleagues in the Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases (CAND). Dr. Shulman’s research integrates experimental genetic approaches using animal models and direct investigation of human subjects to discovery genetic factors responsible for neurologic disorders.

Following appropriate training, the research coordinator will assist with recruitment, informed consent, interviewing, and structured examination of human research subjects. They will additionally perform phlebotomy to collect samples for genetic investigation, and will be responsible for the handling, processing, and banking of such tissue samples, such as preparation of DNA from blood.

The candidate should be bilingual and will take responsibility for outreach to Houston communities to promote diverse enrollment in CAND clinical research studies. Following training, the candidate will also assist with neuropsychological testing in Spanish or English.  The successful applicant may also perform additional duties related to the ongoing research efforts of the laboratory. Excellent time management, communication and organizational skills are essential to collect, analyze and appropriately document experimental results. Training in specialized research methods will be provided.

Job Duties

• Lead community outreach, engagement and recruitment for the Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases (CAND). Makes connections with community leaders, develops agenda for community outreach events, prepares materials (flyers, invitations, social media campaigns), and attends events to support diverse enrollment for research studies.
• Conducts psychometric testing in Spanish or English to evaluate cognitive functions as part of study protocols.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) research coordination for multiple CAND projects, including recruitment, informed consent, and collection of participant information through interviews, questionnaires, clinical rating scales, and electronic medical chart review; processes documents and performs database entry. Also performs phlebotomy following universal precautions to obtain blood biospecimens.
• Perform basic molecular biology protocols for DNA sample preparation and management.
• Spends approximately one half-day per week at Harris Health and other BCM-affiliate satellite clinics for recruitment, including informed consent and phlebotomy / biospecimen collection. Coordinate and help educate clinic physicians and staff regarding study eligibility and procedures.
• Helps with training of more junior research coordinators; presents study updates on project milestones. Coordinate with multiple CAND faculty and across multiple study sites (BCM, MEDVAMC, Harris Health).
• Assists with regulatory documentation, including IRB protocols, and helps maintain the study database. Translates key documents, such as the informed consent for Spanish participants. Helps maintain the research study database.
• Maintain detailed records of research activities, including study protocols and records of all subject enrollment and sample collection.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field. Four years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
• Two years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree.
• Clinical research experience.
• Community outreach experience.
• English and Spanish fluency.