NeuroHealth Research Assistant

Position Overview:
The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research seeks a "NeuroHealth Research Assistant" (8352P1: Research Professional 1) responsible for collecting MRI, neuropsych, psychophysiology and biospecimens. This position also requires processing MRI, psychophysiology and biospecimen data. This position works closely with the MCTFR Principal Health Tech, interviewers and other research assistants to assess MCTFR and ABCD research participants, and requires participation in safety and quality control feedback meetings. Candidate expectations are: (1) Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related research experience; (2) comfortable collecting blood or other biological specimens; (3) must be comfortable working with a diverse subject pool; and (4) ability to work on most Saturdays.

Job Responsibilities:
(65%) Collect and Store Neuro-Health data:
* Collect MRI data by serving as either the primary tech (completed all required certifications) or the assistant tech. Future studies may also require collection of psychophysiological data (e.g.. electroencephalogram (EEG), electrooculogram (EOG), electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure (BP), skin conductance (SC), etc.).
* Collect a variety of biospecimens - including: blood, breath, saliva, hair, urine and samples using lancets, phlebotomy needles, vacutainer tubes, plus various collection kits;
* Conduct neuropsychological assessments associated with lab tasks;
* Store data across various networks and servers.

(25%) Recruit and interview research participants for ABCD Study
* Schedule ABCD participants for on-site visits, video conferencing assessments, and phone interviews; remind participants of their upcoming appointments.
* Conduct ABCD clinical interviews, self-report surveys, and neurocognitive assessments;
* Understand and follow ABCD study emergency procedures
* Describe study goals, assessment tasks, confidentiality limitations and potential risks, and study procedures to participants; answer participant questions

(10%) Process Neuro-Health data:
* Retrieve data across various networks and servers;
* Screen and review MRI, psychophysiology, biospecimen and neuropsych data for quality assessment and refer cases requiring radiological or quality control follow ups;
*Remove artifacts from and standardize MRI and physiological recordings using MRI processing tools like Freesurfer, EEG processing apps like MATLAB's Psychophysiology Toolbox;
* Parameterize data in preparation for data analysis.

Required Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in psychology, or an equivalent combination of psychology related education and/or research experience to equal 4 years.
* Must be comfortable drawing blood and other biospecimens;
* Must be able to work evenings and most Saturdays with an ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule;
* Must be able to work onsite at Elliott Hall and the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR).

Preferred Qualifications:
* Previous experience collecting MRI, psychophysiology, and/or biospecimens;
* Prior research experience interviewing research participants, conducting structured clinical interviews, and neuropsychological testing
* Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

MCTFR/ABCD
The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research seeks to identify environmental and genetic influences on psychological traits. Focusing on adolescent children and their parents, the MCTFR includes studies of twins, adoptees, and biologically related adolescent siblings. MCTFR participants are involved in a variety of projects including: assessment of psychopathology,
psychophysiology and collection of DNA samples in collaboration with the National Institute of Health's Genetics Consortium.

The ABCD Study Consortium is a collaborative effort of 19 sites across the US that will seek to address many questions related to substance use and development that will help inform prevention and treatment research priorities, public health strategies, and policy decisions, including: (1) What is the impact of occasional versus regular use of marijuana, alcohol, tobacco, and other substances, alone or in combination, on the structure and function of the developing brain; (2) How does the use of specific substances impact the risk for using other substances; (3) What are the brain pathways that link adolescent substance use and risk for mental illnesses; (4) What impact does substance use have on physical health, psychological development, information processing, learning and memory, academic achievement, social development, and other behaviors; (5) What factors (such as prenatal exposure, genetics, head trauma, and demographics) influence the development of substance use and its consequences?

About the Department of Psychology

The Department of Psychology ranks among the top academic departments in the nation and throughout the world. Psychology has 46 core faculty members and graduate programs in Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research; Cognitive and Brain Sciences; Counseling Psychology; Industrial/Organizational Psychology; Personality, Individual Differences, and Behavioral Genetics; Quantitative/Psychometric Methods; and Social Psychology. The Department of Psychology offers programs leading to B.A., B.S., and Ph.D. degrees. For additional information, please visit the Department of Psychology website, at cla.umn.edu/psychology.

About the College of Liberal Arts

Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our . CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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
• 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)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

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:

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).