Research Assistant - Research Professional 2

Research Assistant - Research Professional 2

The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is seeking a full‑time Research Assistant (Research Professional
2) responsible for data collection with study participants. The position would start immediately and involves supporting two research studies (Cognitive Strategies in Early Psychosis 1 & 2; COSTEP) that focus on assessing information processing strategies and corresponding brain function with a single‑dose study agent. Primary data collection assessments include MRI scanning (first chair) and EEG recording. Other data collection tasks include supporting DSM structured clinical interviews (MINI/SCID) and symptom assessments (SANS/SAPS and BPRS), neuropsychological, personality, intelligence and other related assessments.

Training on the collection of EEG and MR imaging and conducting interviews will be provided, as needed.

This position will involve in‑person data collection at the Department of Psychiatry’s ARC and the CMRR. Appointments will be in person on the UMN campus, are expected to take approximately 6 hours (COSTEP 1 EEG, at the ARC) or 8 hours (COSTEP 2 MRI appointments, at the CMRR), and will be scheduled primarily M‑Th, with possibility for evenings and weekends. The Research Assistant will review data to assure quality and may prepare data for analysis and publication.

This position may also involve screening and recruiting participants, obtaining informed consent, and supporting regulatory and grant management, as needed. They will work closely with the research participants and lab co‑investigators.

The COSTEP studies involve recruiting both psychiatrically healthy populations (e.g., no current major mental health conditions) as well as individuals who have been diagnosed with a psychosis spectrum illness, such as schizophrenia. Applicants must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, written and spoken communication skills, and conscientiousness for people from diverse backgrounds. Previous experience with individuals with serious mental health conditions (clinical or research) is preferred.

(70%) Data Collection and Management:

• Schedule appointments with participants and staff per protocols.
• Provide participants with instructions and materials needed to prepare for the visit, and remind participants of upcoming visits.
• Prepare for study appointments by reserving rooms and equipment, preparing forms and supplies, creating participant profiles on data capture platforms, and similar tasks.
• Conduct safety and eligibility screening (process urinalysis, breathalyzer, escort participant to phlebotomy lab, collect vitals/biometrics, screening questionnaires).
• Administer and score neuropsychological tests with human research subjects using standardized protocols (e.g., Test My Brain, Wide Range Achievement Test word reading, Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia).
• Administer other clinical assessment instruments (questionnaires).
• Administer MRI and EEG data collection (including performing duties as “first chair” for MRI scans; independently performing EEG capping).
• Confirm order of study drug from pharmacy, receive shipment, and administer study drug per protocol.
• Purchase lunch for participants and assist in reconciling charges.
• Collect AE information after drug administration. Administer C‑SSRS if indicated by other assessments (e.g., MNSS, BPRS); training for C‑SSRS can be provided if needed.
• Maintain detailed documentation of work performed. This includes scoring assessments in preparation for data entry, data entry/data management, and regulatory documentation (enrollment logs, AE logs, etc). Documentation is expected to be completed promptly.
• Complete regular quality checks of data.
• Prepare data for submission to national data archive centers, per grant requirements.
• Promptly communicate critical observations to study team leads, as required by safety protocols.
• Adhere to local and federal policies for conducting clinical drug research and documentation of study activities. Conduct research in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Assist with participant reimbursement.
• As needed, assist…