Clinical Research Assistant

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

6d•$19 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

Clinical Research Assistant The Shanmugan Laboratory is part of the Department of Psychiatry, the Neurodevelopment & Psychosis Section, and the Lifespan Brain Institute (LiBI). Our goal is to personalize early interventions in reproductive psychiatry. To do this, we use non-invasive neuroimaging and advanced computational methods to understand neuroendocrinologic mechanisms underlying risk vs. resilience for psychiatric disorders. The Clinical Research Assistant will work on studies examining psychopathology during reproductive timepoints, including a study examining person-specific markers of perinatal depression. The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is the oldest and one of the finest medical schools in the United States. Penn is rich in tradition and heritage and at the same time consistently at the forefront of new developments and innovations in medical education and research. Since its founding in 1765, the School has been a strong presence in the community and prides itself on educating the leaders of tomorrow in patient care, biomedical research, and medical education. http://www.med.upenn.edu/. The Shanmugan Lab is recruiting a Clinical Research Assistant to help investigators conduct behavioral and multi-modal neuroimaging research examining psychiatric symptoms during reproductive timepoints. We use advanced multi-modal MRI imaging and detailed measures of cognition and clinical symptomatology. The position will draw on a wide range of skills and provide learning opportunities in diverse areas. Responsibilities will include assisting with recruitment and acquisition of data for behavioral and multi-modal MRI data, cognitive assessment of both healthy women and those with psychiatric disorders, clinical data analysis, maintenance of regulatory documents, and correspondence. Position includes substantial direct interaction with faculty; opportunities for data analysis, poster presentations, and writing manuscripts abound, making it ideal for those preparing for highly competitive graduate programs. Position is contingent on continued funding; ideal start date is 7/1/26.

Requirements

High School/GE Degree and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
The candidate must have a passion for science, superb interpersonal skills, and technical affinity.
An interest in working directly with women affected by psychiatric symptoms is essential.
Above all, the applicant should demonstrate strong motivation, empathy, and excellent organizational skills.
Background check required.
Position contingent on funding.

Nice To Haves

BA/BS degree is preferred, particularly with educational background in neuroscience or psychology and plans to pursue a graduate degree in psychology or neuroscience.
Knowledge of IRB and human research protection regulations is desirable.
While not required, experience with the Unix/Linux operating system, the Python programming language, and/or the statistical package R is a major asset.

Responsibilities

Assisting with recruitment and acquisition of data for behavioral and multi-modal MRI data
Cognitive assessment of both healthy women and those with psychiatric disorders
Clinical data analysis
Maintenance of regulatory documents
Correspondence

Benefits

Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.