Research Assistant (Research Professional 2)

About the role

The Bronstein lab in the University of Minnesota Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is seeking a research assistant (Research Professional 2) for a project focused on personalized, non-invasive neuromodulation to improve mental health outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct participant-facing activities, such as obtaining informed consent, guiding participants through remote psychological and cognitive assessments, and coordinating various aspects of interventional and observational studies, in accordance with GCP, applicable regulations, and university policies (45%).
• Analyze data and document data analysis code to standard with minimal supervision, including development and implementation of analyses for intensive longitudinal measures, such as ecological momentary assessment data. Prepare high-quality reports on results with graphics and explanations suitable for submission to funders (25%).
• Conduct and accurately interpret participant risk interviews (e.g., C-SSRS) and diagnostic interviews (e.g., MINI) with minimal supervision. Administer other measures related to suicidology and psychopathology (20%).
• Assist with development of key deliverables for grant agencies, including grant and report text, figures, and audio (10%).

Requirements

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience totaling at least six years.
• Experience in suicide research and research on cognitive flexibility, as evidenced by publication or presentation at a local, national, or international meeting.
• Familiarity with ecological momentary assessment tools, such as MetricWire/Catalyst.
• Ability to administer the C-SSRS risk interview and MINI interview with high fidelity, interpret results, and follow risk SOPs, as evidenced by direct experience.
• Strong attention to detail, conscientiousness, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment while adhering to professional standards of interpersonal behavior and maintaining conduct becoming of a University of Minnesota employee.
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor when working with research participants who may have significant emotional disturbances.
• Flexibility to conduct study procedures across various locations, including MRI suites, inpatient care floors, clinics, and research laboratories.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability and willingness to obtain and document immunizations required for work in clinical environments (e.g., measles, influenza, hepatitis B, negative tuberculosis testing, SARS-CoV-2).

Preferred Qualifications

• MA/MS in biomedical engineering, psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience, or physiology.

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. The department’s 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 is available on the department’s website.

Pay

Salary range is $50,000 - $60,000, depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Benefits

• 100% time appointment (full-time 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.