Clinical Research Assistant

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

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The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Clinical Research Assistant

Clinical Research Assistant A

Clinical Research Assistant

The Shanmugan Laboratory is part of the Department of Psychiatry, the Neurodevelopment & Psychosis Section, and the Lifespan Brain Institute (LiBI). Our goal is to personalize early interventions in reproductive psychiatry. To do this, we use non‑invasive neuroimaging and advanced computational methods to understand neuroendocrinologic mechanisms underlying risk vs. resilience for psychiatric disorders. The Clinical Research Assistant will work on studies examining psychopathology during reproductive time points, including a study examining person‑specific markers of perinatal depression.

The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is the oldest and one of the finest medical schools in the United States. Penn is rich in tradition and heritage and at the same time consistently at the forefront of new developments and innovations in medical education and research. Since its founding in 1765, the School has been a strong presence in the community and prides itself on educating the leaders of tomorrow in patient care, biomedical research, and medical education.

Clinical Research Assistant

The Shanmugan Lab is recruiting a Clinical Research Assistant to help investigators conduct behavioral and multi-modal neuroimaging research examining psychiatric symptoms during reproductive time points. We use advanced multi-modal MRI imaging and detailed measures of cognition and clinical symptomatology. The position will draw on a wide range of skills and provide learning opportunities in diverse areas. Responsibilities will include assisting with recruitment and acquisition of data for behavioral and multi-modal MRI data, cognitive assessment of both healthy women and those with psychiatric disorders, clinical data analysis, maintenance of regulatory documents, and correspondence.

Position includes substantial direct interaction with faculty; opportunities for data analysis, poster presentations, and writing manuscripts abound, making it ideal for those preparing for highly competitive graduate programs. Position is contingent on continued funding; ideal start date is 7/1/26.

High School/GE Degree and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. BA/BS degree is preferred, particularly with educational background in neuroscience or psychology and plans to pursue a graduate degree in psychology or neuroscience. The candidate must have a passion for science, superb interpersonal skills, and technical affinity. An interest in working directly with women affected by psychiatric symptoms is essential.

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