Research Assistant I (General Psychiatry)

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Organization:

Psychiatry Central Admin

Job Summary:

JOB SUMMARY
Clinically Oriented Research Assistant in the Vanderbilt Psychiatric Neuromodulation Lab
Full-time research assistant to join a laboratory within the Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital focused on the study of neuromodulation (i.e. brain stimulation) interventions for substance use and psychotic disorders. Under direct supervision, the research assistant will be responsible for recruiting research subjects into clinical research studies and assisting investigators in the collection and analysis of study data.

In particular, the research assistant will work alongside the principal investigator to conduct a randomized, controlled trial of a neuromodulation intervention (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, rTMS) for nicotine dependence in people with schizophrenia and healthy individuals. This will require a desire to work directly with individuals who experience psychosis and nicotine dependence as well as excellent organizational and data management skills.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Recruiting research participants into research studies (independently or in conjunction with other clinical research staff)
• Assessing the participant’s eligibility for research studies
• Discussing informed consent with research subjects
• Scheduling research study visits
• Conducting clinical interviews of psychiatric symptoms and substance use
• Administering cognitive tests
• Carrying out neuroimaging study protocols
• Administering rTMS with supervision
• Using PsychoPy, EPrime, and Matlab to collect and analyze data
• Checking and maintaining data quality

 

The research assistant will be an integral part of the study team, will regularly attend clinical meetings and will assist with recruitment in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Additional responsibilities include assisting with the management of Institutional Review Board approvals, database management, analysis of behavioral and brain imaging data, and assisting with manuscript preparation.

 

The ideal candidate should be highly motivated and capable of working independently. Individuals interested in mental health, interventional psychiatry, neuromodulation, psychosis, addiction, and clinical trials are especially encouraged to apply. The position requires a high level of interpersonal skills, organization, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities. It is ideal for individuals interested in pursuing an MD or PhD in neuroscience, psychology, or a related field.

 

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, or a related field. Experience in clinical research is highly desirable. Training in administration of rTMS, clinical interviewing, cognitive testing, and neuroimaging data analysis will be provided.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

Our Academic Enterprise is one of the nation’s longest serving and most prestigious academic medical centers. Through its historic bond with Vanderbilt University and integral role in the School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Health cultivates distinguished research and educational programs to advance a clinical enterprise that provides compassionate and personalized care and support for millions of patients and family members each year.

World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific discoveries and transformational educational and clinical advances across the entire spectrum of health and disease.

Aligning with Vanderbilt Health’s Strategic Directions, the Office of Research provides shared research resources, administrative expertise and professi