Jobs and Careers

Research Assistant - Department of Psychiatry

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 14 May 2026

About the role

Research Assistant - Department of Psychiatry

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant - Department of Psychiatry at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Job Purpose:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to complete laboratory based, clinical or population science research. May assist in writing research protocols and in manuscript preparation. Design and perform research protocols independently or as directed through training in more difficult or specialized procedures to meet the needs of the research protocol.

Essential Functions:

Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research. Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates. Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Assist staff with experiments/research protocols as required. Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.

Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated. Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.

Assist principal investigator with writing methods and summarizing/organizing data to be used in preparing and presenting presentations for professional, scientific and academic conferences and submittal to academic and scholarly peer-reviewed journals.

Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records. Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Unique duties:

Provides mental health and/or chemical dependency treatment, assessments, and individual or group clinical services. Provides accurate patient assessment; evaluates data; develops an individualized Plan of Care, following guidelines for Person-Centered Plans, which includes the patient's participation in identifying and understanding their problems and circumstances. Explores available resources and services, educating and supporting the patient regarding their rights, treatment options, and available services. Provides for a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment by coordinating with other staff and with persons identified by the patient; coordinates care with the referring physician or agencies; assesses patient progress and modifies the treatment plan accordingly. Maintains availability to patients for whom he/she is the primary clinician or arranges appropriate clinical coverage. Maintains timely and complete documentation in patient clinical records according to clinic policy and procedure. Ensures that documentation meets licensure, accreditation, and third-party payer standards. Maintains timely contact as needed with third-party payers to ensure authorization for services provided. Networks as applicable with referral sources, courts, schools, third-party payers, and other appropriate agencies and resources. Meets with clinical supervisors for 2-4 hrs/week. Participates in team meetings to plan and monitor care. Participate in and present clinical cases for review at case conferences. Participates in quality management programs and adheres to accessibility, safety, and infection control standards. Conforms to the ethical code of conduct of his/her professional organization, to clinic policies and procedures and to legally sound business practice. Maintain a current professional license. Participate in professional development activities to keep current with health care trends and practices. Adheres to confidentiality as required by all federal, state, regulatory, and Wayne State University Physicians Group policies. Attends formal didactics and other educational activities. Presents a research project at the end of the year. Perform related work as required.