Research Assistant

Job Description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

About Us

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence - advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Employers for Company Culture.


Benefits Overview

UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits.


Medical - UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists. Employees receive $50,000 of group term life insurance and $50,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates.

Dental - Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist.


Vision - Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits.

Disability - Employees can enroll in the Disability Insurance which provides income if a non-work related illness or injury prevents you from working.

FSAs - Employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to set aside money from earnings before taxes for qualifying dependent day care expenses or out-of-pocket health care expenses.


Retirement - Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also available to invest before- or after-tax dollars with the choice of five quality retirement plan providers.


Time Off - A generous leave program offers multiple paid leave options:

• Front-loaded Paid Time Off: 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) of Paid Time Off based on years of service, given at the start of each fiscal year. PTO may be prorated in year one based on date of hire.
• Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours (1 day) accrued per month which can be used for illness or injury after one day of Paid Time Off is taken.
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) to care for a spouse, child, or parent after 6 months of consecutive employment.
• Holidays: 12 set paid holidays each year.

Discounts - Employees enjoy a range of discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.

EEO Statement

UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.