Research Assistant - Dept. of Psychiatry

Wayne State University is searching for an experiencedResearch Assistant - Dept. of Psychiatryat its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to complete laboratory based, clinical or population science research. May assist in writing research protocols and in manuscript preparation. Design and perform research protocols independently or as directed through training in more difficult or specialized procedures to meet the needs of the research protocol.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research. Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates. Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Assist staff with experiments/research protocols as required. Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.

Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated. P roofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.

Assist principal investigator with writing methods and summarizing/organizing data to be used in preparing and presenting presentations for professional, scientific and academic conferences and submittal to academic and scholarly peer-reviewed journals.

Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratoryequipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records. Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Unique duties:

• Preparation of IRB documentation and submissions in conjunction with the Principal Investigator and/or other members of the research team. • Participant recruitment, enrollment, and management. Participating in recruitment, which may include close interaction with or conducted in schools, clinics, or community organizations in the Detroit area. • Posting advertisements and flyers in person and online. • Scheduling and communications (e.g., email, phone, text) for the research study. • Data archiving, organization, processing, and analysis. • Attend and engage in team and lab meetings. The Trauma History Investigation of Neurodevelopment in Kids (THINK) lab at Wayne State University (www.wsuthinklab.com), directed by Dr. Hilary Marusak, is seeking a part-time Research Assistant. The THINK lab studies the impact of chemical (e.g., air pollution) and non-chemical (e.g., stress and trauma) on brain and behavioral development in children and adolescents, the impact of cannabinoids on the developing brain, and pediatric anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our research uses several neuroscientific techniques, including genotyping, blood biomarkers, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and psychophysiology (skin conductance responses), and investigates several behavioral and pharmacological interventions (e.g., exercise, cannabinoids, mindfulness) to improve mental health outcomes in youth. We are also engaged in research on the impact of cannabis treatment on brain network functioning and neuroinflammation in military veterans with PTSD. We are recruiting a research assistant for a new survey-based study examining community health and resilience factors in urban emerging adults. The research assistant is an engaged, essential member of the lab and will be generally responsible for this study and managing day-to-day logistics. Training will be provided for all aspects of the position. For motivated individuals, there are additional opportunities to contribute to grants, publications, and conference presentations. This position is ideal for an applicant who is interested in pursuing a graduate degree in neuroscience, psychology, public health, or related fields.

Qualifications:

Education Bachelor's degree

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, preferred. Requires advanced knowledge

predominantly intellectual in character in a field of science or learning acquired by a prolonged

course of specialized intellectual instruction.

Experience Entry level (less that a year of job-related experience)

Experience performing basic research techniques or interacting with human subjects , preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to work independently. Ability to analyze, summarize and interpret research findings and

data in reports and spreadsheets and communicate results. Knowledge of scientific integrity

principles. Excellent time management and organization skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment. Microsoft office software skills.

Preferred qualifications:

Eligible candidates will have at least a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, psychology, public health, or a related field. Applicants must enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults, and individuals from a variety of racial/ethnic backgrounds. This position demands initiative and the ability to work flexibly on multiple tasks simultaneously under minimal supervision. Must be self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced, changing environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, professionalism, office organization, time management, attention to detail, strong computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint), ability to work independently and as a team. Applicants who have some experience in human subjects research are preferred. Applicants with some experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), and survey-platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, Redcap), publications, conference presentations, and data management will be a bonus. Applicants who are interested in a one-year commitment will be prioritized.

School/College/Division:

H06 - School of Medicine

Primary department:

H0613 - Psychiatry

Employment type:

• Regular Employee

• Job type: Fractional Time

• Job category: Research

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary

• Hourly rate:

• Salary minimum:

• Salary hire maximum:

Working conditions:

Typical work environment may include a laboratory and/ or office environment. May require working non-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientific conferences

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1

• Reposted position: No

• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)

• Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Equal employment opportunity statement:

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.