Research Assistant

Location: San Antonio, TX, United States Department: Research

This position is based at UT Health San Antonio, Long School of Medicine, within the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s & Neurodegenerative Diseases. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support the San Antonio Heart and Mind Study (SAHMS), an observational study examining cardiovascular risk factors affecting brain health in our San Antonio community, and the 7T COVID study, an observational study looking at the effects of COVID on the brain using 7T MRI.

The successful candidate will work alongside a collaborative team of clinicians, researchers, and staff as part of SAHMS and 7T COVID. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to impactful dementia research and gain valuable experience in clinical and community-based research methods.

The Research Assistant will support study operations, including participant recruitment through phone calls, scheduling, informed consent, neuropsychological assessments, survey administration, and data collection, entry, and quality control. The Research Assistant will also spearhead study visits conducted in participants’ homes as part of the SAHMS Home Visit protocol and must have reliable transportation. This position requires sound judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, research-focused environment.

Participant Coordination & Data Collection Assist in participant screening, recruitment, scheduling, and informed consent in accordance with study protocols and IRB guidelines.

Perform high-volume telephone outreach and recruitment activities for the SAHMS and 7T COVID studies in accordance with study protocols and recruitment procedures.

Conduct study visits in participants’ homes to perform approved research procedures in accordance with the Home Visit protocol.

Conduct neuropsychological assessments and scoring under supervision.

Administer questionnaires related to lifestyle, behaviors, and dietary habits.

Assist with the setup of wearable devices, provide clear guidance for their use to participants, and perform related data entry.

Escort participants to study procedures, including imaging and clinical assessments.

Data Management & Documentation Perform accurate data entry and quality assurance checks using REDCap or other data systems.

Extract and reconcile data from existing clinical records or databases.

Maintain secure, up-to-date documentation and logs related to participant progress and study milestones.

Participant Support & Communication Serve as the primary point of contact for study participants, addressing questions, providing updates, and ensuring a positive participant experience throughout the study timeline.

Research Operations & Team Collaboration Attend and actively participate in team meetings, clinical diagnosis consensus reviews, monitoring visits, and imaging safety discussions.

Support ongoing and new research activities with flexibility and professionalism.

Compliance & Ethical Conduct Complete all required institutional and research protocol trainings.

Maintain strict confidentiality of participant information and adhere to ethical research practices.

Ensure compliance with IRB, HIPAA, and institutional research guidelines.

Other Duties as Assigned Contribute to additional research or administrative tasks as needed to support the success of the study team and broader research goals.

Spanish language proficiency (spoken and written) is highly valued for this position.

Must have reliable transportation.

Excellent telephone etiquette and verbal communication skills, with the ability to conduct frequent recruitment calls, establish rapport, and engage potential research participants in a professional, courteous, and personable manner.

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in a basic science is required.

Experience:

None required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous research experience is a plus.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) is highly preferred.