RESEARCH ASSOCIATE I- NIH (Psychological Science)

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE I- NIH (Psychological Science)

Posting Number: SRGV8896
Number of Vacancies: 1
Location: Edinburg, Texas
Department: College of Liberal Arts / Psychological Science
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Scope of Job:
Applications are invited for a Research Associate I in the Behavioral Health Lab under the primary supervision of Laura Seligman, Ph.D., ABPP and Joseph Hovey, Ph.D. in the UTRGV Department of Psychological Science. The research associate will be responsible for assisting the principal investigators and research team with an NIH funded clinical trial.

About the Research Trial
This study will compare the efficacy of two behavioral interventions for dental phobia in children. The study treatments are OSTD (One Session Treatment for Dental Phobia in Children) vs. RELAX (Psychoeducation and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Treatment for Dental Phobia). Participants in the study will be randomized to a single treatment arm (OSTD or RELAX). Participants are children and adolescents (ages 7-16) who meet criteria for a diagnosis of a specific phobia.

Applicants with availability for multiple years are strongly preferred. The assignment is estimated to begin Summer 2026 (pending budgetary approval) and will be continued annually based on funding availability.

Description of Duties:
The core responsibilities of the research associate include participant recruitment and retention, conducting research assessments and procedures and reporting study progress to the Study Coordinator. Other essential tasks include:

• Recruiting and screening study participants
• Scheduling study visits.
• Completing study assessments in compliance with study protocol.
• Assisting study interventionists during treatment visits.
• Collecting, and monitoring data in research databases.
• Disbursing and documenting subject payments.
• Setting up and maintaining research equipment and supplies.
• Maintaining inventory of research related material.
• Preparing or assisting with preparation of reports of research findings.
• Complies with all State and University policies.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Supervision Received:
Specific supervision from assigned supervisor.

Supervision Given:
May carry out limited responsibilities in accordance with the project objectives, policies and applicable laws and provides guidance to student employees.

Required Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or a related field from an accredited University.

Preferred Education:
Master’s degree in Psychology or related field from an accredited university.

Licenses/Certifications:
None.

Required Experience:
No minimum experience required.

Preferred Experience:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Experience administering diagnostic interviews.
• Experience working on clinical trials or behavioral research with human subjects.

Equipment:
Required: Use of personal computer and proficiency in Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.

Working Conditions:
Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Office/research environment. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which requires presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Other:
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public. May work evenings and/or weekends depending on appointment schedule.

Physical Capabilities: N/A
Employment Category: Full-Time
Minimum Salary: Commensurate with Experience
Posted Salary: Commensurate with Experience
Position Available Date: 05/01/2026
Grant Funded Position: Yes
If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date: 12/31/2031