Context: Sunstone Therapies is the leader in the delivery of psychedelic-assisted therapy in the medical setting, focusing on the development and implementation of clinical trials today, and clinical delivery if and when therapies are approved. Right now, we have two sites with roughly 30 employees -- looking to build our team and expand to 2 more sites in the next 2 years, as well as begin delivering Ketamine Assisted Therapy. At Sunstone, our culture centers on love and rigor, prioritizing whole-person healing for all.
To be successful in this role in this growth stage start-up, the candidate must be a mentally flexible and detail-oriented self-starter and problem solver. They should be able to quickly shift projects and priorities to meet emerging needs, collaborate across departments, and align their approach with Sunstone’s values. Join us in making a profound impact in the realm of therapeutic research!
Scope: The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) supports Sunstone’s clinical trials and upcoming commercial Psychedelic Assisted Therapy by administering and scoring protocol-required psychiatric assessments to ensure accurate, consistent study outcome measurement. In 3-6 months, once Sunstone’s commercial Psychedelic Assisted Therapy services launch, the PMHNP role would expand to provide direct patient care and practical clinical workflow input in partnership with the clinical operations team. This role requires high mental flexibility, strong judgment, and comfort operating in a fast-changing environment where responsibilities may evolve within months based on clinical, research, and operational priorities.
Job activities include but are not limited to:
- Assessment Scoring: Accurately score assessments using established guidelines and scoring rubrics. Follow standardized procedures to ensure consistency in scoring.
- Communication: Collaborate with team members to address questions or concerns related to scoring. Provide feedback to improve scoring processes when necessary.
- Adherence to Protocols: Strictly adhere to ethical guidelines and protocols governing assessment scoring. Maintain confidentiality and security of assessment materials.
- Quality Assurance: Participate in training sessions to stay updated on scoring guidelines and procedures. Contribute to ongoing quality assurance efforts to maintain scoring reliability.
- Data Entry and Record Keeping: Enter scored data into databases or computer systems. Maintain accurate and organized records of scored assessments.
- Direct patient care (commercial PAT clinic): Provide direct patient care for clinic patients and prospective patients. Coordinate closely with the therapy team and physicians to ensure safe, consistent care delivery, appropriate escalation pathways, and continuity of care.
- Templates, SOPs & training: Contribute to development and refinement of clinical templates, training materials, and SOPs related to psychiatric evaluation, patient flow, and safety monitoring.
- Patient Recruitment/Pre-screening Support: Assist in recruitment efforts as directed by the supervisor. Collect demographic, medical, psychiatric, and medication history during pre-screening interviews for the purpose of determining eligibility for clinical trial participation.
- Flexibility & other duties: Adapt to changes in assessment materials or scoring procedures. Demonstrate flexibility in handling various types of assessments.
The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:
- Current certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with valid state licensure.
- Minimum 2 years of clinical experience or clinical trial experience in mental health.
- Prior experience administering scales in a research context.
- Attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy in scoring.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
- Willingness to step in where needed across clinical and research operations while maintaining appropriate role boundaries and quality standards.
- Genuine interest in psychedelic-assisted care and commitment to high-quality, patient-centered work.
The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:
- MINI, SDS, and C-SSRS experience are preferred.
- Prior experience working in or helping operationalize a ketamine clinic and/or PAT program (patient flow, screening norms, follow-up cadence, safety pathways) highly preferred.
- Familiarity with GCP and clinical trial documentation expectations (source, EDC, monitoring readiness) preferred.
Physical Requirements
A large percentage of time performing computer work is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Compensation and Benefits
Sunstone Therapies offers a competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan.
Pay: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Have you ever administered ketamine assisted therapy?
Experience:
- clinical experience or mental health: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner(PMHNP) and state licensure (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Rockville, MD 20850 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Rockville, MD 20850: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
