Full-Time Research Assistant/Coordinator for Rheumatology/Arthritis-Related Research Studies

Overview

We are looking for a Research Assistant/Coordinator support to join Dr. Katherine Wysham’s research team for multiple studies related to rheumatology, arthritis, and aging at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS). This is an on-site position based at the VAPSHCS Seattle Campus.

Key Duties:

·        Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, lead the daily operations for 2 Rheumatology multi-site clinical trials:

o   Interventional study examining whether social incentivization and health coaching can improve physical activity and adherence to physical therapy programs and, in doing so, reduce symptoms of arthritis in Veterans with knee osteoarthritis

o   Interventional study examining whether a treat-to-target virtual gout care protocol led by VA pharmacists will improve gout management and reduce flare-ups in Veterans with gout

·        Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and Lead Research Coordinator, assist on the daily operations for 5 Rheumatoid Arthritis projects:

o   Observational study evaluating the longitudinal relationship between aging, physical performance and osteoporosis  in Veterans rheumatoid arthritis

o   National observational study of Veterans with Rheumatoid Arthritis

o   Multisite observational study of Interstitial Lung Disease progression in Rheumatoid Arthritis

o   Interventional study examining whether a virtual group-based physical activity program can improve physical function in Veterans with rheumatoid arthritis

·        Participant tracking and monitoring

·        Coordinate the distribution, collection, and data management of activity monitors used to track step counts and other physical activity

·        Determine eligibility, obtain medical history, ensure informed consent, and initiate enrollment

·        Perform clinical procedures, including patient questionnaires, performance-based assessments, venipuncture, shipping samples and collecting vital signs (training for clinical exams, biospecimen shipment, and venipuncture will be provided)

·        Review medical records and enter research notes into patient electronic health records

·        Coordinate appointments with study providers

·        Monitor participants for adverse events

·        Maintain IRB and regulatory documentation, including drafting and editing study documents, SOPs, and recruitment materials

·        Maintain appropriate source documentation and complete case report forms

·        Answer phone calls from participants and potential participants

·        Depending on candidate’s interests and skills, job duties may include other aspects of research including writing, presenting, and analysis activities. This may include opportunities for co-authorship on publications.

Qualifications:

·        Candidate must be a US citizen

·        BA/BS or higher degree in a scientific- or health-related field

·        1-4 years of work experience in clinical, epidemiological, or health services research

·        Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with a diverse group of study participants and staff

·        Experience with customer service, particularly by telephone and in-person

·        Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. This includes the ability to manage one’s own time, track aspects of complex research studies, ensure high-quality data collection, protect patient confidentiality, and manage complex schedules

·        Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including ability to coordinate and communicate about team projects, and adapt communication style to different audiences

·        Solid problem-solving and critical thinking skills

·        Ability to adapt to changing priorities and timelines

·        Proficiency in MS Office Programs (Word, Excel, Outlook)

 

Preferred Attributes:

·        Experience with MS Access and VA REDCap

·        Experience with activity trackers, particularly Fitbit trackers

·        Experience working with Veterans and with the VA electronic health record (CPRS and/or Cerner)

·        Experience with IRB procedures

 

About the PI:

Dr. Wysham’s research focuses on understanding the impact of inflammatory diseases and their treatments on the development of premature aging and osteoporosis.  Such knowledge would enhance the ability of rheumatologists to identify and target those patients at highest risk for fracture and intervene effectively, with lifestyle and pharmacologic treatments. Dr. Wysham is also involved in multisite clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout.

Application Information:

Salary is dependent on the candidate’s education and experience within the targeted GS6-GS9 level. The General Schedule (GS) salary table for Seattle can be found on the Office of Personnel Management website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2025/general-schedule/.

 

Please send a cover letter and resume to Hannah Brubeck at Hannah.Brubeck@va.gov. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications received without a cover letter will not be considered.