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Research Assistant, Fractional Time – Institute for Brain Health
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant, Fractional Time – Institute for Brain Health 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.
Position Purpose:
The Research Assistant supports the Principal Investigator and Laboratory Manager in the coordination and implementation of the Brains, Experiences, and Mental Health (BEAM) study within the Ruvvy Resilience Lab. The position supports participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, consenting, study visits, data quality activities, and research procedures involving youth participants and their caregivers. The Research Assistant also leads Community Advisory Board activities, contributes to community engagement and public dissemination efforts, and supports the development of research products and independent research activities. The position may provide similar research support for other laboratory studies as needed.
Essential Functions
- Conducts Research Visits and Supports Data Collection: Conducts research visits with youth participants and their caregivers in accordance with approved study protocols. Administers interviews, questionnaires, and other research procedures; assists with brain imaging activities; monitors participant needs during study visits; and performs basic data review and quality assurance to support the accuracy and completeness of study data.
- Supports Research Dissemination and Scholarly Activities: Contributes to the development of scientific research products, including peer-reviewed manuscripts, research posters, presentations, abstracts, and other materials used to communicate study findings to academic and professional audiences.
- Participates in Laboratory and Research Meetings: Participates in weekly laboratory meetings and regular meetings with the Principal Investigator and Laboratory Manager to discuss research activities, participant recruitment and enrollment, study progress, emerging issues, and assigned projects.
- Leads Community Advisory Board Activities: Coordinates and facilitates Community Advisory Board activities, including scheduling meetings, communicating with members, preparing for, and leading meetings, documenting discussions, and distributing meeting recaps and follow-up information.
- Conducts Participant Recruitment and Screening: Supports recruitment of potential study participants through telephone, email, flyers, social media, and other approved outreach methods. Conducts preliminary participant screening and communicates study information to prospective participants and their families in accordance with established research protocols.
- Coordinates Study Scheduling and Participant Logistics: Coordinates study visits with participants, families, research staff, and the Magnetic Resonance Research Facility (MRRF). Manages scheduling communications and assists with participant preparation and logistical coordination to support the timely completion of study activities.
- Supports Community Engagement and Public Dissemination: Supports community engagement and public dissemination of research through local events, outreach activities, social media campaigns, video production and editing, content development, and other activities designed to communicate research findings and promote community awareness and participation.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
Unique Duties:
The position requires the ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically; remain seated or standing for extended periods; operate standard office and research equipment; and move throughout office, laboratory, clinical/research, and community environments. The position may require occasional movement or transportation of light materials and equipment associated with research and community engagement activities.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field.
Experience: Three to four years of job-related experience, preferably in a human subject, clinical, or behavioral research laboratory.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of human subjects research practices and research procedures involving study participants.
- Experience administering questionnaires, interviews, assessments, or other research procedures to study participants or clinical populations.
- Familiarity with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research procedures is preferred.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with research participants, children, families, research staff, and community members through telephone, email, text messaging, and in-person interactions.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, scheduling, and time management skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, adolescents, families, research participants, community members, and research professionals.
- Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within a collaborative research environment.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and follow established research protocols and procedures.
- Ability to handle sensitive participant information appropriately and maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and contribute to community-facing research dissemination activities.
- Ability to speak, read, and write a second language is preferred.
School/College/Division:
The Division of Research & Innovation
Primary Department:
H0905 – VP Research
Employment Type:
Regular Employee
Job type:
Fractional Time
Job category:
Research
Funding/Salary Information:
Compensation type: Annual Salary
Annual Salary: To be determined
Working Conditions:
Normal office and research laboratory environment.
The position requires regular interaction with youth participants, caregivers, research staff, and community members.
Work may involve participation in community events and activities outside the laboratory.
Availability during morning hours (approximately 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.), weekday evenings, and weekends is required to accommodate participant schedules, research visits, community engagement activities, and study operations.
Job Openings:
Number of openings: 1
Reposted position: No
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.
