Research Assistant; Research Professional

Research Assistant (Research Professional
1)

The Demro and Schallmo labs at the University of Minnesota are seeking to hire a full-time Research Assistant (Research Professional
1) responsible for data collection with study participants. The position would start immediately and involves supporting a new research study in adults with and without schizophrenia (NEUROmetabolic mechanisms of COGnitive training in Schizophrenia; NEURO-COGS). The study focuses on assessing brain metabolism and Excitation:

Inhibition balance, which are dysregulated in schizophrenia, contribute to cognitive and visual impairments, and may normalize in response to cognitive training intervention. Primary data collection assessments include MRI scanning and EEG recording. Other data collection tasks include supporting DSM structured clinical interviews and symptom assessments, neuropsychological, personality, intelligence and other related assessments. Training on these tasks will be provided, as needed.

This position will involve in-person data collection at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research earch study visits will be scheduled primarily on weekdays, 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 will also involve screening and recruiting participants, obtaining informed consent, and supporting regulatory and grant management, as needed.

Person will work closely with the research participants and study team members.

• 70% Data collection responsibilities:
• Screening and enrollment of research participants, including assessing eligibility based on study inclusion / exclusion criteria (including over the phone), assessing capacity to provide informed consent, describing the study protocol and experience for participants, and obtaining written informed consent from research participants.
• Coordinate scheduling with participants and study staff, as well as reserving scheduled equipment / facilities (e.g., MRI scanner time, laboratory testing space).
• Administering clinical research measures (e.g., interviews, questionnaires, symptom assessments)
• Administering computer based visual and cognitive tasks to collect data in the form of behavioral responses (i.e., button presses)
• Collecting electroencephalography (EEG) and MRI scanning data. This will involve working with research participants and other study staff to prepare participants for scanning (e.g., preparation of EEG cap and electrodes, safety screening for MRI).
• Promptly communicate critical observations to study team leads, as required by safety protocols.
• Assist with participant reimbursement.
• Conduct research in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Analyses will include data processing, data quality control, statistical analyses, and data visualization.
• Other tasks as assigned.
• 20% Research administration responsibilities:
• Participate in and prepare updates for regular study team meetings.
• Collaborate with PI and other study staff on regulatory management:
  Preparing and managing IRB modifications, preparing documentation for monitoring visits, maintaining regulatory binder documents (e.g., protocol training log, delegation of authority log), tabulating study enrollment data.
• Other tasks as assigned.
• (10%) Data quality control responsibilities:
• Assist with quality control protocols on data collection and management.
• Assist with basic maintenance tasks related to general lab functioning.
• Other tasks as assigned.
• Other related duties may also include assisting PI with preparations of grant applications / conference presentations, contributing to manuscripts, developing poster presentations, or similar tasks, depending on applicant interest and experience.

Required Qualifications:

• BA or BS degree, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least 4 years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with patients in a clinical and / or research setting
• Previous experience in the fields of mental health, brain imaging, vision, and / or cognition
• Previous experience in scientific research, data collection and analysis
• Strong interpersonal skills, technical skills, problem-solving skills, and organizational skills
• Be able to work independently and to coordinate efforts as part of a team initiative

The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral…