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Research assistant - VA Puget Sound Health Care System

Posted: June 23, 2022

# 18821

Opportunity Type: Job

Closing Date: open until filled

Description:

Seeking part or full time Research Assistant for the “Home foot-temperature monitoring through smart mat technology to improve access, equity, and outcomes in high-risk patients with diabetes”

The incumbent will work as a key member on the Home Foot-Temperature Monitoring Study under the Principal Investigator, Dr. Alyson Littman, PhD, at the VA Puget Sound in Seattle, and will support local recruitment efforts, study visits, data entry, and regulatory guidelines adherence.

This study aims to examine the extent to which a novel system involving a temperature sensing mat can reduce the risk of diabetic foot ulcers and amputations. Diabetic foot ulcers are common, debilitating, and costly complications of diabetes, disproportionately impacting Black and rural Veterans. Forty percent of individuals have an ulcer recurrence within a year of ulcer healing and 65% within 5 years. Monitoring plantar foot temperatures is one of the few interventions that reduces the risk of ulcer recurrence. Despite the evidence, adoption has been poor because the original procedures, including the use of handheld thermometers, were burdensome and time-consuming. Podimetrics, a private company, has developed a temperature monitoring system involving a “smart” mat that can wirelessly transmit data and a remote monitoring team that works with VA providers to assist with triage and monitoring. This care model has incredible promise, but has been untested in VA. We will conduct a randomized trial to evaluate effectiveness of remote temperature monitoring as well as costs. Additionally, we will evaluate the implementation process through qualitative interviews about barriers and facilitators to use among key stakeholders.

Responsibilities will include:

  • Providing daily operational support
  • Ensuring compliance with applicable R&D, human subjects, and data security guidelines
  • Supporting recruitment, screening, enrollment, consent, and follow-up of study participants according to study protocols, including:

-   reviewing medical charts

-   conducting study visits with participants

-   timely and accurate data entry

-   preparing participant mailings

-   tracking study activities

-   processing participant compensation

  • Attending and providing regular reports at weekly team meetings and with the larger research group, as required
  • Assisting with the development and maintenance of databases and files
  • Assisting with preparation of the new study application, protocol, modifications, and status reports for review by the Institutional Review Board, Research and Development Committee, and auditors

Position Requirements:

  • Master’s degree or Master’s or equivalent graduate degree in a scientific- or health-related field

Or

  • BA/BS in a scientific- or health-related field with at least 1 year of experience in health care research involving human subjects
  • Outstanding organizational and interpersonal skills
  • Keen attention to detail and time management
  • Effective communication and collaboration in a team environment  

·       Ability to adapt to changing priorities and timelines

·       Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Desirable Knowledge and Experience:

·       Experience with electronic medical record systems

·       Knowledge of research compliance regulations

·       Experience with electronic data entry systems such as REDCap

 

 

How to Apply:

Candidates must be U.S. citizens. The General Schedule (GS) salary table for Seattle can be found on the Office of Personnel Management website at opm.gov

To Apply:

Submit a resume and cover letter to alyson.littman@va.gov

Diversity enriches research and promotes the best healthcare. We are committed to building and sustaining an equitable and inclusive environment for our Center. We encourage individuals whose backgrounds or interests align with this commitment, as well as individuals from all backgrounds that are underrepresented in research, to apply.

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