Clinical Research Assistant II
McLean Hospital | |
United States, Massachusetts, Belmont | |
115 Mill Street (Show on map) | |
Jan 03, 2025 | |
Description - External
Full-time Clinical Research Assistant position is available within McLean's Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders Laboratory, directed by Isabelle M. Rosso, Ph.D. The laboratory is part of McLean's Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research (http://cdasr.mclean.harvard.edu). This position will be split between two projects within the lab: one led by Dr. Rosso and another led by Dr. Kevin J. Clancy. The research assistant's principal role is to conduct research with human participants under the supervision of Drs. Rosso and Clancy. Both projects focus on the neurobiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in trauma-exposed populations across the life span (e.g., adolescents and adults). The projects utilize various methods, including multiple modalities of brain imaging (e.g., MRI, MRS, EEG), clinical interviews and assessments (e.g., self-report, CAPS-5, MINI), digital phenotyping (e.g., ecological momentary assessments, passive smartphone data collection), and non-invasive brain stimulation (e.g., transcranial electrical stimulation). A two-year commitment from the candidate is requested. Renewal of the appointment is contingent upon performance, continued funding, and successful completion of a required period of evaluation. This position offers an excellent opportunity for graduating seniors looking for clinical research experience before applying to graduate school in psychology (particularly clinical psychology programs) or medical school. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Indicate key areas of responsibility, major job duties, special projects, and key objectives for this position. These items should be evaluated throughout the year and included in the written annual evaluation. Principal duties may vary over time with grant funding and project demands, and with the tasks assigned to other staff assigned to the projects. The research assistant may be responsible for the following activities: * Initiates and maintains contact with potential study participants. Responsible for screening participants, ensuring they meet appropriate criteria, and making an independent judgment as to their eligibility. * Coordinates study visits with adolescents and/or adults. * Conducts behavioral, psychophysiology, and neuroimaging (e.g., fMRI, MRS, EEG) experiments. May be required to perform clinical tests such as phlebotomy, EKGs, etc. * Completes MRI training and prepares participants for MRI scanning. * Working with the Principal Investigators and other staff to develop and implement recruitment strategies. * Develops, organizes, and/or maintains the study database. Responsible for data validation and quality control, as well as preliminary statistical analyses. * In conjunction with the Principal Investigators, develops and implements new research protocols including design, and data collection systems. * Performs literature searches, as appropriate. * Assists Principal Investigators with preparation for academic presentations and written published articles. * Assists with monitoring the laboratory budget, including ordering equipment. * Maintains inventory and orders supplies when necessary. * Assists Principal Investigators in IRB submissions and compliance with regulatory agencies. * Will be involved in most aspects of research, with the possible opportunity to be a co-author on abstracts, papers. * Participates in the training of newly hired staff, as required. * Performs all other duties as assigned. * For applicants with at least one year of directly related research experience and demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies: Trains and oversees new staff or more entry-level staff. May serve as a team leader or in a supervisory capacity in a smaller area. Excellent interpersonal skills are required for working with the study participants. Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks. Careful attention to detail. High degree of computer literacy, including knowledge of computer programs, databases, etc. Good oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of clinical research protocols. Knowledge of basic statistical analysis methods and use of statistical software package(s) (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R) Ability to demonstrate professionalism and respect for subjects' rights and individual needs. BS OR BA in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field, required.
Additional_Job_Description The McLean Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. |