UNIV - Research Program Assistant - Psychiatry: Addiction Sciences Division

Job Description Summary

The candidate will work with Drs. Squeglia and Gray as a Program Assistant on the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, a large-scale project to study child and adolescent health, behavior, and brain functioning. The candidate will be responsible for executing all tasks associated with the ABCD protocol which include neuroimaging, neurocognitive assessments, and clinical interview or self-report measures designed to assess eligibility criteria, psychopathology, medical health, social relationships, personality, and substance use. The candidate will work with both youth and their parents.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC001039 COM PSYCH Addiction Science CC

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-GEN06

Pay Range

37,200.00 - 48,300.00 - 59,500.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

FLSA: Hourly

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, including weekends

Job Duties:

• Interviews ABCD research participants: (30%)

  • Must be familiar with the entire ABCD Study and applicable sub-study protocols;

  • Conducts clinical assessments, self-report surveys, neuropsychological testing, mobile activity monitoring, and careful assessments of environment, psychopathological symptoms, substance use, and social functioning to youth and parent participants in-person, via remote video conference, and via phone;

  • Understands emergency procedures.

• Acts as a research representative of the ABCD Study: (20%)

  • Describes study procedures, goals, assessment tasks, confidentiality limitations and potential risks thoroughly to participants;

  • Answers participant questions;

  • Obtains informed consent and assent from both parent and youth participants;

  • De-briefs participants at the end of the visit;

  • Maintains required documentation and record keeping;

  • Tables at local community events to assist with dissemination and outreach.

• Assists with neuroimaging protocol: (15%)

  • Runs participants through mock MRI scanner;

  • Acts as second-chair at the Center for Biomedical Imaging (CBI) during neuroimaging protocol alongside a trained operator;

  • Problem solves issues that arise during clinical session and MRI scanning and participates in trouble shooting and developing alternative approaches;

  • Assists with data transfer;

  • Executes E-Prime tasks.

• Performs various lab support tasks to ensure compliance and lab organization: (15%)

  • Collects biospecimens: including blood, urine, saliva, hair, and teeth to assess hormone levels, neurotoxin exposure, and genetics; processes and prepares for shipment.

  • Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.

  • Refers patients to resources available in community and social services;

  • Participates in team meetings and provides updates on assigned tasks.

• Schedules and communicates with research participants: (15%)

  • Including on-site visits, video conferencing assessments, and phone interviews;

  • Utilizes multiple calendars for scheduling;

  • Answers questions that come through ABCD phone and email systems;

  • Reminds participants of upcoming appointments.

• Miscellaneous tasks as assigned (5%)

Preferred Experience: A bachelor’s degree in psychology, Psychological & Brain Sciences, Neuroscience, or a related field is preferred. Prior research experience in a lab, knowledge of REDCap data entry, management, reporting tools, interviewing research participants, conducting structured clinical interviews, neuropsychological tests and collecting biospecimens – including drawing blood and MRI assessments not required but valued. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Experience working with adolescents and emerging young adults (ages 16-20). Excellent verbal communication and problem-solving skills. Attention to detail and the ability to work independently and assure accuracy. Must be able to work evenings and weekends, as these are the times children are typically available to participate in the study.

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and three years of