Research Specialist

The Research Specialist for the tFUS (MATRIX) study, will coordinate and manage participant-recruitment activities, and clinical and diagnostic evaluations for our newly funded study. This study investigates the effects of transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) on people with Cocaine Use Disorder. The Research Specialist will also conduct MRI visits and accompany participants to a CT scan and 2 tFUS-administration sessions. They will complete virtual follow-up assessments at 1 day, 3 days and 7 days post-tFUS.

This position is grant funded.

Responsibilities:

+ Independently execute job functions for research protocol(s) including recruitment, scheduling appointments, obtaining written consent forms, collecting data by conducting phone or face to face interviews for research project(s).

+ Collaborate with senior research personnel regarding recruitment, data collection, outcomes of interviews, reports according to the needs of the study.

+ Manage day-to day-coordination of participants in conjunction with the tFUS lab. Recruit and evaluate participants.

+ Manage contact with study participants, conduct psychiatric assessments, track protocol compliance and adherence, follow the mandatory reporting procedures for any deviations or adverse events.

+ Assist with general research activities related to participant flow and scheduling, participant communication, engagement, and retention.

+ Participate in structured training and ongoing supervision.

+ Contribute to a collaborative team advancing clinical and research applications in psychiatry, maintain strict protocol standards and ensure participant safety.

+ Work independently, must be able to work a flexible schedule based on study needs to accommodate participant schedules.

+ Interact and effectively communicate with study participants, research, clinical, administrative staff, and investigators.

+ Ability to assess potential emergencies in collaboration with senior medical and research personnel, and take appropriate action.

+ Bachelor's degree required, preferably in psychology, neuroscience, sociology or related research field.

+ Minimum of one year of work experience in a research project and/or related clinical setting is required.

+ Familiarity with computers and common software packages required.

+ Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

+ Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal

+ Act 33 with renewal

+ Act 34 with renewal

+ Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran