Research Assistant (Research Professional 2)

Our lab has a multi-year funded opening for a Research Coordinator managing a study identifying biomarkers of recovery from posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. Our laboratory uses novel interventions (pharmacological, neuromodulatory, and social-behavioral) to understand how the brain recovers from mental health symptoms resulting from stressful and traumatic experiences (including posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, and burnout). Our lab is particularly interested in understanding how individuals with mental health symptoms transition into recovery. Broadly speaking, our overall research program intersects with topics of reward, emotion-regulation, resilience and working memory.

This position will primarily involve monitoring implementation, management, coordination and documentation of a study examining a pharmacological intervention in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. This position will also be responsible for ensuring that components of the project are completed in an ethical, scientifically rigorous, and timely manner. Responsibilities will also include ensuring that lab personnel/volunteers are compliant with safety regulations and lab specific protocols are established and followed.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

The distribution of effort will change over time. As the study is currently enrolling subjects, Protocol/ Study Management will constitute most of effort. As recruitment goals are met, effort will shift to data analysis, manuscript preparation and Lab Management Support.

Lab Management Support - 50%

• Act as a lead/mentor/trainer on primary study protocol and within the research team for other active studies.
• Support the supervision of undergraduate student volunteers as needed.
• Assist in the analysis of data and preparation of annual NIH reports, presentations and manuscripts
• Support the development of new grants and protocols (as needed)
• Conduct literature reviews and database development

Protocol/Study Management - 50%

• Support the day-to-day management of research protocols under the general direction and oversight of the PI.
• Work both independently and within a team structure on tasks such as, but not limited to:
  • recruitment and phone screening;
  • visit scheduling and logistical support;
  • visit implementation, informed consent process, administration of assessments (as appropriate),  study drug distribution management, sample collection, processing and shipment (as applicable)
  • data management (collection and storage)
  • regulatory management (IRB, adverse event reporting, etc),  subject tracking, and general office paperwork and organization
• Handle financial, personnel, and administrative transactions (ex. study participant payments and supply purchasing)

Anticipated research will occur at both the VA and the UMN CMRR and will include (but not limited to) administration of experimental drugs and neuroimaging.

Performing job duties will require:

• Standing or sitting for extended periods
• Complex communication of medical information in the English language
• Professional interactions with a diverse body of colleagues and research participants
• Acquisition and maintenance of all necessary requirements (e.g., background checks, immunizations, institutional trainings) for work with human subjects, including subjects from vulnerable populations.