Think Beyond The Label Jobs

UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is hiring a Research Specialist to provide research support to two studies as part of the Center for Sleep and Circadian Science, under the leadership of Dr. Jessica Levenson, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics. This individual will provide key support for two NIMH-funded research studies focused on the sleep and mental health of adolescents. One study focuses on implementing a sleep treatment for depressed adolescents in pediatric primary care, while the other focuses on understanding the sleep of adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system.

The ideal candidate is highly organized and detail-oriented; has an ability to prioritize among multiple tasks; and possesses strong interpersonal skills including teamwork, friendliness, communication, dependability, flexibility, and leadership.

This individual will work closely with other research staff, a data manager, and undergraduate volunteers, as well as with the staff of various partners at community sites with whom we collaborate. This is a Regular Full-Time position with hours ranging primarily Monday – Friday. Occasional evening/weekend hours will be required to accommodate research participants’ schedules.

The Center for Sleep and Circadian Science is committed to promoting a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. We believe that diverse perspectives, talents, and identities are vital to accomplishing our research mission and our mission of developing the next generation of sleep and circadian scientists. To this end, we welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

This position is grant funded.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and/or adhere to study protocol for all study-related procedures.

• Conduct day to day operations for the studies.

• Conduct the ethical recruitment, screening, and consenting of potential study participants.

• Schedule and conduct participant study visits.

• Conduct diagnostic interviews, as needed.

• Track data flow for entry into project databases and analyses.

• Ensure accurate compensation of participants.

• Assist in the collection, management, processing, and analysis of data from the research assessments, interviews, and questionnaires and in the management and delivery of related equipment.

• Assist in reporting recruitment progress to the IRB, research teams, and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

• Attend and participate in all project-related meetings.

• Support the preparation of and updates to all Standard Operating Procedures for the studies.

• Train study staff and/or students on study procedures, database and data collection, and other study tasks as needed, and ensure IRB guidelines are followed.

• Support collaboration between UPMC and community recruitment sites while adhering to IRB protocol.

• Consult with study investigators regarding participant eligibility determinations.

• Communicate with community recruitment sites regarding participant eligibility and progress through the study.

• Communicate with study assessors and therapists at our community sites to ensure safety concerns are managed in a timely and responsive way.

• Interact with community site to ensure all data are collected per protocol.

• Assist in ensuring all recordings are uploaded in a timely manner.

• Maintain study files and materials to ensure compliance to regulations, including IRB and HIPAA

• Support data collection and communicate any errors, deviations, or concerns with Office of Academic Computing and team members.

• In collaboration with the data manager, support data management and processing, including:

• Downloading, storing, and cleaning of actigraphy data.

• Creating data tables and scoring views of data.

• Creating modifications to the database and assessment batteries that arise during the studies.

• Track adverse events and communicate with the IRB

• Prepare yearly IRB renewals and any modifications that arise

• Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Psychology, Neuroscience, Sociology or related research field.

• Minimum of one year of work experience in a research project and/or related clinical setting is required.

• Familiarity with computers and common software packages required. Data Management, Statistical Analysis programs, or Programming experience preferred.

• Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)

• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal

• Act 33 with renewal

• Act 34 with renewal

• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal