Would You Take This Job? – Clinical Research Assistant (PTSD & Sleep Study)

Clinical Research Assistant (PTSD & Sleep Study)

Organization: Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR)
Location: Remote (Palo Alto, CA)
Pay: From $41.91 per hour (Part-time)

Role Overview:
Join the PAVIR research team working with Dr. Carmen McLean at the National Center for PTSD. You’ll support a DoD-funded clinical trial testing written exposure therapy for PTSD in military personnel. Responsibilities include conducting virtual CAPS-5 assessments, coordinating with study participants and research teams, and participating in fidelity monitoring.

Key Perks:

  • Paid sick time, employee assistance program, commuter assistance, wellness benefits

  • Part-time role with flexible, remote hours—ideal for balancing other commitments

Skills Needed:

  • Strong interpersonal communication and coordination abilities

  • Comfort using tools like Word and Excel for documentation and scheduling

  • Experience or interest in PTSD research is a plus, though training is provided

Link to Apply and Learn More:
View the full job listing & apply here (look for “Clinical Research Assistant – Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Sleep Disorder”)


Would You Take This Job?

What makes it appealing:

  • Remote flexibility paired with strong hourly pay and part-time structure

  • High-impact work in PTSD therapy research—meaningful and scientifically important

  • Benefits—even for a part-time role—add significant value

What could hold you back:

  • Limited hours may not suit those seeking full-time or steady work

  • Requires sensitivity and accuracy when engaging with participants in psychological assessments

  • Remote format could feel isolating if you’re accustomed to in-person research settings

Would you participate in PTSD therapy research for the flexibility and impact—or pass because you want something full-time or on-site?

Pay looks great for a CRA, and PAVIR is reputable, but I’d confirm if “remote” still means Bay Area-only and whether there are evening/overnight blocks for sleep assessments. Do they mention the grant term or any benefits for part-time?

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I worked on a VA PTSD study and “remote” still meant being local for onboarding, badge pickup, and occasional device drop-offs. Ask if you can stack hours into a couple long days and whether any evening blocks for sleep tasks are paid at the same rate.

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At $41.91/hr part-time with PAVIR on a DoD-funded written exposure therapy trial, I’d be interested if “remote” doesn’t still mean Bay Area trips for onboarding or device drop-offs. I’d also confirm whether sleep assessments push you into evening blocks and if hours can be stacked into a couple long days. If those line up, I’d take it.

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