Research Assistant - Research Professional 2

The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is seeking a full-time Research Assistant (Research Professional 2) responsible for data collection with study participants. The position would start immediately and involves supporting two research studies (COgnitive STrategies in Early Psychosis 1 & 2; COSTEP) that focus on assessing information processing strategies and corresponding brain function with a single-dose study agent. Primary data collection assessments include MRI scanning (first chair) and EEG recording. Other data collection tasks include supporting DSM structured clinical interviews (MINI/SCID) and symptom assessments (SANS/SAPS and BPRS), neuropsychological, personality, intelligence and other related assessments. Training on the collection of EEG and MR imaging and conducting interviews will be provided, as needed.

This position will involve in-person data collection at the Department of Psychiatry's ARC and the CMRR. Appointments will be in person on the UMN campus, are expected to take approximately 6 hours (COSTEP 1 EEG, at the ARC) or 8 hours (COSTEP 2 MRI appointments, at the CMRR), and will be scheduled primarily M-Th, with possibility for evenings and weekends. The Research Assistant will review data to assure quality and may prepare data for analysis and publication. This position may also involve screening and recruiting participants, obtaining informed consent, and supporting regulatory and grant management, as needed. They will work closely with the research participants and lab co-investigators.

The COSTEP studies involve recruiting both psychiatrically healthy populations (e.g., no current major mental health conditions) as well as individuals who have been diagnosed with a psychosis spectrum illness, such as schizophrenia. Applicants must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, written and spoken communication skills, and conscientiousness for people from diverse backgrounds. Previous experience with individuals with serious mental health conditions (clinical or research) is preferred.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

(70%) Data Collection and Management:
*Schedule appointments with participants and staff per protocols. Provide participants with instructions and materials needed to prepare for the visit, and remind participants of upcoming visits.
*Prepare for study appointments by: reserving rooms and equipment; preparing forms and supplies; creating participant profiles on data capture platforms; and similar tasks.
*Conduct safety and eligibility screening (process urinalysis, breathalyzer, escort participant to phlebotomy lab, collect vitals/biometrics, screening questionnaires).
*Administer and score neuropsychological tests with human research subjects using standardized protocols (e.g., Test My Brain (TMB), Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) word reading, Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS)).
*Administer other clinical assessment instruments (questionnaires).
*Administer MRI and EEG data collection (including performing duties as "first chair" for MRI scans; independently performing EEG capping).
*Confirm order of study drug from pharmacy, receive shipment, and administer study drug per protocol.
*Purchase lunch for participants and assist in reconciling charges.
*Collect AE information after drug administration. Administer C-SSRS if indicated by other assessments (e.g., MNSS, BPRS); training for C-SSRS can be provided if needed. Must be familiar with safety protocols.
*Maintain detailed documentation of work performed. This includes scoring assessments in preparation for data entry, data entry/data management, and regulatory documentation (enrollment logs, AE logs, etc). Documentation is expected to be completed promptly.
*Complete regular quality checks of data.
*Prepare data for submission to national data archive centers, per grant requirements.
*Promptly communicate critical observations to study team leads, as required by safety protocols.
*Adhere to local and federal policies for conducting clinical drug research and documentation of study activities. Conduct research in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
*Assist with participant reimbursement.
*As needed, assist with subject recruitment (e.g., pre-screening, determining eligibility).
*As needed, collect informed consent during re-consent appointments.
*As needed, may conduct formal assessments with participants, including structured clinical/diagnostic interviews and structured assessments of social adjustment, which assess for psychopathology as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) for Psychological Disorders (MINI/SCID, SANS/SAPS, BPRS, GFS/GFR). Assignment of this responsibility will be based on prior experience with psychosis populations and/or clinical symptom ratings.
*Perform MRI and EEG data pre-processing (e.g., removing movement artifacts).
*Other tasks as assigned.

(20%) Administrative duties:
*Participate in regular team meetings. Prepare regular updates for study team meetings.
*Assist with IRB renewals, modifications, and submissions.
*Assist with purchasing of supplies and assessment material.
*Assist with preparing for monitoring visits and audits, and responding to queries/findings after initial project review.
*As needed, assist with grant reporting, IND reporting.
*As needed, assist with safety reporting to DSMB, IRB, FDA.
*Other tasks as assigned.

(10%) Participate in Quality Control Review:
*Assist PI with quality control protocols on data collection and management.
*Assist PI with basic maintenance tasks related to general lab functioning.
*Other tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications
*Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of relevant experience (which can include conducting neuroimaging (MRI) and/or EEG in a clinical or research setting, conducting clinical research with mental health populations, or conducting human clinical drug trials), or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years.
*Must be able to accommodate a flexible work schedule, which may include supporting occasional evening or weekend appointments.
*Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to build rapport with participants.
*Problem-solving skills, self-organization skills, and attention to detail required to work independently and assure accuracy.
*Self-organization and time/task management skills.

Preferred Qualifications
*Bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field.
*Prior experience conducting neuroimaging (MRI) and/or EEG in a clinical or research setting.
*Prior experience working with serious mental illness, preferably psychosis spectrum illnesses. May be in the form of clinical and/or research experience.
*Coursework in Abnormal Psychology and/or familiarity with DSM criteria and a conceptual understanding of the DSM.
*Previous experience conducting clinical research interviews, including diagnostic interviews (MINI or SCID) and symptom ratings for psychosis spectrum illnesses (SANS/SAPS, BPRS, GFS/GFR).
*Previous experience conducting human clinical drug trials.
*Previous experience working in human subjects research at the University of Minnesota, with active CITI Biomedical GCP certificate.

The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences consists of an outstanding team of researchers, clinicians, and educators who provide world-class expertise in psychiatric illness, treatment, scholarship, and scientific discovery.

Our mission is to:

• Create and disseminate new knowledge in the science of mental health
• Provide effective and innovative clinical care programs to alleviate the suffering of mental illness and promote mental resilience
• Train the next generation of interprofessional experts who will be leaders in Minnesota and beyond
• Engage in compassionate and vigorous outreach and advocacy on issues relevant to psychiatric illness, treatment, and research

You can find more information on our website at https://med.umn.edu/psychiatry.

Pay Range: Salary range is $28 - $30/hour ($60,000 - $62,000); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.