Clinical Neurotechnology Research Assistant

Stanford University is seeking a Physical Science Research Professional 1 to apply knowledge and understanding of a scientific discipline or related technology in laboratories engaged in research in the physical sciences. Typically apply specific scientific or technical knowledge to research projects, guided by broad policies and professional knowledge.

The Clinical Neurotechnology Research Assistant is primarily responsible for the performance of clinical neurotechnology research in the homes of clinical trial participants with tetraplegia (quadriplegia). These responsibilities include the careful execution and documentation of research sessions studying the safety and efficacy of investigational medical devices and novel, neurally-controlled assistive interfaces ("brain-computer interfaces") for people with paralysis or communication impairments.

Duties include*:

* Serve as primary contact with research participants, sponsors, and regulatory agencies. Coordinate studies from startup through close-out.

* Determine eligibility of and gather consent from study participants according to protocol. Assist in developing recruitment strategies.

* Collect and manage patient and laboratory data for clinical research projects. Manage research project databases, develop flow sheets and other study related documents, and complete study documents/case report forms.

* Monitor expenditures and adherence to study budgets and resolve billing issues in collaboration with finance and/or management staff.

* Interact with the principal investigator regularly, ensuring patient safety and adherence to proper study conduct.

* Ensure essential documentation and recording of patient and research data in appropriate files per institutional and regulatory requirements.

Other duties will include*:

* Install complex research computing hardware and software.

* Maintain computer software, tracking all software updates and testing equipment function after such updates.

* Maintain computer hardware by confirming that all cable connections are intact and functioning, troubleshooting equipment components in a manner consistent with safe use of the system, understanding the relationship between hardware components, and anticipating and eliminating hurdles to system expansion and changes (which occur regularly).

* Arrange, schedule, and execute twice-to-four-times-weekly research sessions, including regular interaction with persons with paralysis and their families/caregivers. These research sessions occur in the homes of clinical trial participants and may involve driving for up to three hours.

* Meet regularly with researchers to plan and practice execution of research sessions.

* Record neural activity, select appropriate neural waveforms, configure custom software, and document Neural Interface System performance.

* Record HD video of research sessions.

* Redact any sensitive information from videos and create video clips for weekly meetings and publications.

* Back up and archive data daily to servers at multiple institutions.

* Perform simple troubleshooting of computer software and hardware.

* Help to evaluate user interfaces and neurally-controlled assistive devices for persons with paralysis.

* Provide vigilant skin care of neurosurgically placed devices.

* Teach participants' caregivers how to properly clean and care for the skin around the percutaneous device interface.

* Train and sign-off other CNRAs in similar roles at other research sites in study.

* Assemble unique systems to perform new, unusual or special tests.

* Conduct a broad range of experiments involving advanced technology; contribute to the design of experimental protocols to achieve the scientific objectives of the research project.

* Work closely with Supervisor and with colleagues at other universities.

* Communicate to manufacturers about problems with medical devices; ensure appropriate response.

* Assist with other neurotechnology research projects, as assigned by Supervisor.

* Function as the principal technical specialist for the research unit or for a specific research project.

* Attend weekly lab meetings (in person at Stanford University or by video conference); may present data.

* Enhance web presence for research, including managing website updates and social media accounts.

* Maintain MySQL inventory database to coordinate supplies and equipment used across a multi-site pilot clinical trial and associated research.

* Submit abstracts, present posters, and assist with research manuscripts.

* Assist with participant recruitment efforts.

* Lead some aspects of event planning, such as assembling invite lists or securing a venue.

* Other duties may also be assigned.

DESIRED

QUALIFICATIONS:

* Bachelor's degree with coursework in engineering, biology or neuroscience.

* 1-2 years related experience in neuroscience or electrical or computer engineering.

* Extraordinary interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a complex, multi-institutional team.

* Ability to comfortably and sensitively…