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Ptsd Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Support Under close supervision of the PI and senior staff, the SRA I will: * Assist with augmented psychotherapy trials that combine evidence-based PTSD treatments (e.g., exposure-based ...

Coordinate and support augmented psychotherapy trials that combine evidence-based PTSD treatments ... Track enrollment, timelines, and milestones ; assist with and help prepare progress reports, RPPRs ...

Coordinate and support augmented psychotherapy trials that combine evidence-based PTSD treatments ... Track enrollment, timelines, and milestones ; assist with and help prepare progress reports, RPPRs ...

Coordinate and support augmented psychotherapy trials that combine evidence-based PTSD treatments ... Track enrollment, timelines, and milestones ; assist with and help prepare progress reports, RPPRs ...

Coordinate and support augmented psychotherapy trials that combine evidence-based PTSD treatments ... Track enrollment, timelines, and milestones ; assist with and help prepare progress reports, RPPRs ...

... for PTSD and treatment resistant depression. Plays a critical role in the expansion of the multi ... May assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and/or graduate students who are working ...

This individual will assist with studies of non-invasive brain stimulation for improving regulation ... PTSD, addiction, depression, and others) and neurodegenerative disorders (stroke, dementia, mild ...

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Ptsd Research Assistant information

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How much do ptsd research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for ptsd research assistant in the United States is $21.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Ptsd Research Assistant vs Clinical Research Coordinator?

AspectPtsd Research AssistantClinical Research Coordinator
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, or related field; research experience preferredUsually a bachelor's degree; certification in clinical research is a plus
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, mental health research centersHospitals, clinics, research sites
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, mental health research organizationsHealthcare facilities, clinical trial sites
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for research roles in mental health and PTSD studiesCompared for overseeing clinical trials and patient coordination

The main difference is that a Ptsd Research Assistant primarily supports PTSD research projects, focusing on data collection and analysis, while a Clinical Research Coordinator manages the overall clinical trial process, including patient recruitment and compliance. Both roles require research experience, but the coordinator role often involves more administrative responsibilities and direct patient interaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PTSD Research Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PTSD Research Assistant, you need a background in psychology or related fields, experience with research methodologies, and attention to ethical standards, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS or R), survey tools, and Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols is typically required. Strong organizational skills, empathy, and effective communication are vital soft skills for interacting with study participants and collaborating with research teams. These capabilities ensure accurate data collection, ethical treatment of participants, and meaningful contributions to PTSD research.

What does a PTSD Research Assistant do?

A PTSD Research Assistant supports research projects focused on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Their responsibilities typically include recruiting and interviewing study participants, administering assessments and surveys, collecting and managing data, and assisting with literature reviews. They may also help with data analysis and preparing research findings for publication or presentation. The role is essential for advancing our understanding of PTSD and developing effective treatments.

What are some common challenges faced by a PTSD Research Assistant during data collection and participant interaction?

PTSD Research Assistants often encounter unique challenges during data collection, such as ensuring participant comfort and confidentiality when discussing sensitive trauma-related topics. Building rapport and maintaining ethical boundaries are essential, as participants may experience emotional distress. It is important to be well-versed in trauma-informed care and to follow strict research protocols. Team collaboration with clinicians and principal investigators is common, and regular debriefings help address any difficulties that arise.
More about Ptsd Research Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Ptsd Research Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Ptsd Research Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ptsd Research jobs? The most popular types of Ptsd Research jobs are:
What states have the most Ptsd Research Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Ptsd Research Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Ptsd Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,571 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Staff Research Associate I

Staff Research Associate I

NCIRE

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Position Definition:
The Stress, Trauma, and Resilience Program (STaR Lab) at the San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS), in partnership with Northern California Institute for Research and Education, Inc. (NCIRE) and University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), is seeking a motivated Staff Research Associate I (SRA I) to support clinical and experimental studies on trauma- and stressor-related disorders in Veterans, with a particular focus on PTSD, sleep disturbance, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and fear learning.
Our overarching goal is to deepen the mechanistic understanding of these conditions and to develop mechanism-informed, pharmacologically augmented psychotherapies that directly target the neural systems involved, with a focus on enhancing fear extinction and related learning processes. Ultimately, we aim to translate this work into more targeted, effective treatments for Veterans with PTSD, insomnia, TBI, and other trauma-related difficulties.
This position is ideal for someone early in their research career who wants hands-on experience in clinical research and psychophysiology, and who may be considering graduate or medical school (e.g., Clinical Psychology, Neuroscience, Public Health, or related fields). The role includes a mix of research tasks and study operations/administrative support, with extensive training and supervision provided.
This position is flexible to full-time, part-time, and intermittent employment.
Essential Functions:
Research Support
Under close supervision of the PI and senior staff, the SRA I will:
  • Assist with augmented psychotherapy trials that combine evidence-based PTSD treatments (e.g., exposure-based therapies) with medications targeting mechanisms underlying the disorder, including those that facilitate fear extinction.
  • Help administer, pilot, and monitor remote psychophysiological fear-conditioning paradigms, including online and lab-based experimental tasks.
  • Assist in setting up and monitoring psychophysiological recording sessions using systems such as Biopac and Lab Streaming Layer (LSL)-based data pipelines (training provided).
  • Help acquire, process, and organize multi-modal psychophysiological signals, including electrodermal activity (EDA), electromyography (EMG), heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), facial coding outputs, and remote photoplethysmography (PPG) signals derived from video.
  • Administer and score self-report questionnaires and, with training and supervision, assist with structured clinical interviews assessing PTSD symptoms, trauma exposure, mood, and sleep-related functioning.
  • Help collect, process, and organize sleep-related data, including actigraphy and EEG-based measures (training provided).
  • Assist with data management and basic analysis (e.g., entering data in REDCap, checking data quality, preparing spreadsheets, running simple scripts or analyses with supervision).

Study Operations & Administrative Support
  • Help with participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, and visit reminders, including phone, mail, and electronic outreach.
  • Assist in maintaining regulatory documents (e.g., consent forms, logs) and support IRB-related tasks under the guidance of senior staff.
  • Communicate professionally with Veterans, clinicians, and research team members to support smooth study operations.
  • Track and update study logs, enrollment trackers, and visit windows; help prepare materials for progress reports and other study documentation.
  • Provide general support for NCIRE and VA administrative processes, such as organizing study materials, assisting with onboarding of volunteers, and helping prepare meeting agendas or summaries.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology, Public Health, or a related field (required).
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability in following protocols and procedures.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated interest in trauma/PTSD, fear learning, psychophysiology, and/or sleep-related processes (coursework, volunteering, or prior research experience are all helpful).
  • Prior research experience (e.g., as an undergraduate RA, volunteer, or intern) is preferred but not required; we are willing to train a highly motivated candidate.
  • Interest in learning clinical research and clinical trial procedures (e.g., tracking visit windows, following standardized protocols, working with regulatory documents).
  • Interest in learning psychophysiological data collection and analysis (e.g., Biopac, LSL, EDA, EMG, HR/HRV, facial coding, remote PPG from video); prior experience is a plus but not required.
  • Comfort using basic computer tools (e.g., Excel/Google Sheets, REDCap, or similar). Experience with MATLAB, Python, or R is helpful but not required-training and mentorship will be provided.
  • Comfort working with Veterans and individuals with trauma histories, with sensitivity and professionalism.

VA Onboarding Requirements:
NCIRE is an affiliate organization of the San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS), which requires all candidates to complete SFVA onboarding in addition to NCIRE's onboarding process. The SFVA is a federal agency that requires a federal background check, occupational health clearance, vaccines and immunizations, and drug testing for certain positions. Drug testing may include screening for marijuana which remains an illegal substance according to federal law. The failure to pass required drug testing will disqualify candidates from employment.
The base wage range for this position is $24.11 - $28.87 per hour. The wage actually offered to a successful candidate will take into account various relevant and non-discriminatory business factors including, without limitation, the candidate's geographic location, job-related experience, knowledge, and skills, and education, as well as internal equity considerations. A successful candidate may also be eligible to earn additional compensation including bonuses.
NCIRE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position requires access to United States Government research under the Veterans Administration. Per Veterans Administration regulations surrounding access to US research, qualified US Citizens will be selected over other individuals eligible to work in the United States. If you are eligible to work in the United States, you may still be considered for this position but only if no qualified US citizens apply.
How to Apply:
To apply, please complete your application in NCIRE's UltiPro system and email the following materials to Dr. Sabra Inslicht at sabra.inslicht@va.gov (with the subject line: STaR Lab SRA I Application):
  1. CV/Resume
  2. Brief cover letter describing your interests and fit
  3. Names and contact information for 2 references

We strongly encourage applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds who are excited to learn, grow, and help advance mechanistic science that can be translated into better-targeted, more effective care for Veterans affected by trauma.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.