Research Assistant 1 HSS

Overview

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will run several fMRI neuroimaging studies investigating medication assisted treatments for substance use disorders, in particular, opioid use disorders. Required responsibilities of the Research Assistant include participant recruitment and screening, conducting structured clinical interviews, coordinating with the pharmacy and clinical staff, leading study visits, running neuroimaging test days, and ensuring appropriate follow-up and IRB protocol compliance. The Research Assistant will collect behavioral, biological, neuropsychological, and brain imaging data, report on the status of research activities, manage and analyze datasets, coordinate work of students and manage the day-to-day activities of the lab. The Research Assistant may also work on statistical analysis of brain imaging data and assist in designing, developing, and modifying research experiments. 

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong computer and data entry skills including expertise with Microsoft Office programs.
2. Ability to work with a wide range of individuals, including clinically complex populations, and maintain professionalism.
3. Ability to work in a fast-paced setting and advance multiple tasks simultaneously.
4. Attention to detail and outstanding organization skills, especially pertaining to data.
5. Ability and willingness to be trained on different protocols and a variety of computer software.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as psychology or neuroscience.  Prior experience conducting clinical diagnostic interviews, ideally with complex populations. Ability to show sensitivity and patience to all participants. Prior experience running fMRI scans or other imaging scans. Strong statistical and/or programming skills, using programs such as MATLAB, R, or Python.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Researches and collects data through site or home visit intakes; library research; structured interviews; or through other means for designated research assignments. 2. Records and compiles information related to research data. Codes data accordingly to research specifications. Uses a computer terminal to input and retrieve data and to generate reports. 3. Processes and summarizes data using scientific or statistical techniques. Assists in data interpretation and analyses. Reports on status of research activities. 4. Recruits study participants and ensures that subject recruitment and follow-up are completed per protocol procedures. 5. Orders and maintains inventory of supplies. May assist in designing, developing, and modifying research experiments, procedures, or survey instruments. May assist research and support staff. 6. Performs additional functions incidental to research activities.

Required Education and Experience

Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate's degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.