Clinical Research Professional – Neurostimulation Research in Mental Illness - (Research Professional 1)
We are seeking a clinical research professional (Research Professional 1) to assist with human neuroscience studies and clinical trials of new treatments for severe mental illness in the Translational NeuroEngineering Laboratory (TNEL), part of the University of Minnesota Department of Psychiatry. This position will focus primarily on studies of deep brain stimulation (DBS) and related technologies for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other conditions.
Responsibilities
- 30% – Study and Regulatory Support
- Maintain accurate and timely study and regulatory documentation for multiple studies according to established procedures and applicable requirements.
- Assist with preparation and organization of consent forms, protocols, regulatory submissions, and other study materials.
- Maintain study records, regulatory documents, supplies, and tracking systems.
- Communicate documentation needs or concerns to senior study staff.
- 25% – Recruitment and Study Coordination
- Assist with recruitment and screening of potential research participants according to approved procedures and protocol criteria.
- Support recruitment efforts through Internet-based, community, and other approved outreach strategies.
- Respond to potential participant inquiries and assist with initial screening and scheduling.
- Support the informed consent process as appropriate to the role.
- Communicate with other University research teams, study sites, sponsors, and monitors as directed.
- 20% – Participant Interaction and Data Collection
- Interact with research participants and perform study procedures according to established protocols.
- Administer standardized neuropsychological assessments and collect research data using specialized equipment and software.
- Assist with participant visits, scheduling, specimen collection and shipping, and other protocol-required procedures.
- Document and communicate participant concerns or unexpected findings to appropriate study personnel.
- 15% – Data Management
- Assist with entry, organization, preparation, and maintenance of human clinical research data.
- Maintain accurate study data according to established procedures and report potential discrepancies.
- 10% – General Research Support
- Follow established study protocols, Good Clinical Practice guidelines, and participant safety procedures.
- Assist senior research staff and investigators with study implementation and other clinical research activities.
- Participate as an active member of the research team and perform other duties appropriate to the position.
Requirements
- BA/BS degree or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven ability to manage deadlines effectively while providing clear, timely communication with staff and participants.
- Ability to work independently with a proven track record of troubleshooting and resolving problems efficiently without disrupting workflow.
- Ability to follow established research protocols and procedures and work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to interact professionally with research participants, including individuals with significant emotional disturbances.
- Ability to work across clinical and research settings, including clinics, inpatient units, operating suites, and research laboratories.
- Ability to satisfactorily complete required background checks and health requirements for work in University clinical environments.
Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with clinical research practices and Good Clinical Practice guidelines.
- Prior education or experience in neuroscience, mental health, clinical research, or medical device research.
- Experience with EPIC, REDCap, R, or similar research software.
- Experience with scientific or technical writing or research data analysis.
About the Department
The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences consists of an outstanding team of researchers, clinicians, and educators who provide world-class expertise in psychiatric illness, treatment, scholarship, and scientific discovery. Our mission is to:
- Create and disseminate new knowledge in the science of mental health.
- Provide effective and innovative clinical care programs to alleviate the suffering of mental illness and promote mental resilience.
- Train the next generation of interprofessional experts who will be leaders in Minnesota and beyond.
- Engage in compassionate and vigorous outreach and advocacy on issues relevant to psychiatric illness, treatment, and research.
More information can be found on our website.
Pay
Salary Range: $24.50 - $28.85/hour, depending on education, qualifications, and experience.
Benefits
- 100% time appointment (full-time).
- Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff position.
- Comprehensive benefits package including:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
- University HSA contributions.
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance.
- Employee wellbeing program.
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
- Financial counseling services.
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.
- Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.
Initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range to ensure compensation reflects individual credentials and experience while maintaining equity within the organization.