Research Professional 3 - (Temporary, Part-time)

About the role

The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences has an opportunity for a part-time, temporary Research Professional 3 (20 hours per week through December 31, 2026). This role is hands-on, working with the community to learn about the needs of addiction research and services. The goal is to co-create programming around mental health and addiction that is co-created by the community. We see this role as one where our ideal employee will have autonomy to aid in shaping projects, excitement about mental health and addiction engagement opportunities, and a natural collaborative nature.

Responsibilities

• Statistical Analysis and coding - 70%
  • Data Analysis: Clean, manage, and process high-volume, complex, or multi-dimensional data sets (such as genetic sequences, electronic health records, or large clinical trials).
  • Methodology Development: In collaboration with the study team, build statistical models and advanced analytical methods when standard tools do not fit the research problem.
  • Study Design: Collaborate with scientists and medical doctors to plan experiments, calculate sample sizes, and write statistical analysis plans.
  • Interpretation & Reporting: Translate statistical findings into plain terms, write peer-reviewed scientific papers, grants, storyboards, and present insights to project teams.
• Mental Health and Addiction Research - 20%
  • Enter electronic health record (EHR) data into prenatal substance use database.
  • Develop coding processes to automate and enter EHR data entry.
  • Lead working meetings with key institutes on campus to learn informatics techniques to increase efficiency of EHR data entry.
  • Experience with utilizing Python, R, and other statistical software.
  • Lead scientific questions, analysis, write corresponding sections of grants, proposals, and manuscripts.
  • Maintain clean data and results to inform current and future mental health and addiction projects.
  • Recruit for qualitative studies, consent, analyze, and ensure payment for participants.
• Administrative - 10%
  • Maintain projects in project management software.
  • Ensure the Randolph Lab remains compliant with all grants by submitting required IRB, reports, and documentation in a timely manner.
  • Complete administrative tasks related to research, program execution, and implementation.
  • Research and draft components of grants and manuscripts in alignment with the mission of the lab.
  • Other duties or tasks may be assigned on an as-needed basis.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree plus at least four years of relevant experience, or advanced degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least eight years.
• Three years of neuroscience or psychology research experience.
• Ability for travel in the state and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
• Must have access to a reliable means of transportation.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving history suitable to drive on university business.
• Excellent project management, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Experience working with diverse and immigrant communities.
• Experience working with youth and younger participants.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, both in-person and online.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills with experience providing complex administrative support in a high-profile, very fluid environment with tact and diplomacy.
• A background check is required for this position including checking driving record.
• Strong organizational skills, the ability to prioritize and handle a wide range of tasks simultaneously, good judgment, sense of initiative, and a detailed focus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Experience in mental health and addiction research, particularly in the area of methamphetamine and opioids research.
• Additional experience in building databases from electronic health records utilizing Python, RedCap, and other coding approaches to analyze the data.
• Experience and demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining effective and collaborative working relationships with stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, communities, and organizations.
• Demonstrated capacity for independent, proactive judgment and problem-solving while working in a collaborative environment as a team member and problem solver.
• Experience in using technology for communication, information-gathering, program delivery, and/or reporting.
• Advanced user of MS Office (Word, Excel, Access & PowerPoint), and/or internet-based collaboration tools.
• Experience working in an environment with multiple stakeholders and interests, managing multiple projects simultaneously with demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Experience in group facilitation and making public presentations.
• Ability to vary schedule/hours worked per week on occasion.
• Multilingual.

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.

Pay

Salary range is $34 - $36/hour depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Schedule

50% appointment (20 hours per week) through December 31, 2026.

Benefits

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training.
• 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.

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.