Research Assistant, Clinical/Population Sciences - Dept. Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences

Wayne State University • Detroit, MI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant, Clinical/Population Sciences - Dept. Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences 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.

Job Purpose: Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific, technical, regulatory, and administrative assistance to support clinical and population science (human subjects) research studies. Assist in the coordination and implementation of behavioral and population-based research protocols, including participant recruitment, regulatory compliance, data collection and management, and dissemination of research findings.

The Trauma History Investigation of Neurodevelopment in Kids (THINK) Lab (wsuthinklab.com), directed by Dr. Hilary Marusak at Wayne State University, is seeking an experienced Research Assistant to assist with ongoing clinical research studies. The successful applicant will assist with day-to-day study operations, including but not limited to participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, and data collection. For candidates who are licensed mental health providers, they may also assist with clinical assessments and therapy sessions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public health, psychology, social sciences, nursing, biology, or related field.
• Entry level (less than a year of job-related experience)
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple clinical research activities while adhering to study protocols, regulatory requirements, and timelines.
• Ability to analyze, summarize, and interpret clinical research data and communicate findings effectively in reports and presentations.
• Knowledge of scientific integrity principles, responsible conduct of research, and human subject protections (e.g., IRB requirements, confidentiality standards).
• Excellent time management, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to interact professionally with research participants, clinical staff, and multidisciplinary research teams.
• Ability to recruit and communicate effectively with diverse populations, including medically underserved communities.
• Must be fully vaccinated and adhere to university health policies.

Nice To Haves

• Experience conducting clinical or human subject research is preferred.
• Experience with participant recruitment, informed consent, data collection, and maintenance of regulatory documentation is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with clinical research databases or electronic data capture systems is preferred.
• Interpersonal Skills: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team setting with diverse and/or clinical populations.
• Schedule Flexibility: Must be available on-site for early morning, evening, or weekend visits or activities as needed.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage a team, and multitask in a fast-paced research setting.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office; willingness to learn study software (e.g., REDCap, Ripple).
• Preferred Experience: Human subjects research and IRB processes.
• Programming/statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS).
• REDCap or similar research software.
• Scientific publications or presentations.
• Priority given to applicants interested in a minimum two-year commitment.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and implementation of clinical research protocols involving human subjects.
• Recruit and screen study participants through approved methods, including outreach, surveys, and interviews.
• Conduct study visits and collect clinical and research data in compliance with Institutional Review Board (IRB), regulatory, and protocol requirements.
• Communicate regularly with the Principal Investigator and research team regarding study progress and participant status.
• Collect, enter, and maintain accurate clinical and research data, including outcomes, surveys, and case report forms.
• Monitor data quality and completeness.
• Perform preliminary data analysis and generate graphs, charts, and tables to summarize results in accordance with study protocols.
• Proofread and verify research data and documentation for accuracy.
• Prepare and assist with presentations of research findings for professional, scientific, and academic conferences.
• Organize and summarize study results for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
• Assist in drafting, factchecking, editing, and proofreading scientific manuscripts, study reports, and regulatory documents.
• Maintain organized research records and study files in accordance with regulatory and institutional requirements.
• Coordinate study materials and supplies, and support documentation for audits, monitoring visits, and regulatory submissions.
• Ensure workspaces remain organized and compliant with confidentiality and data security standards.
• Recruit, screen, and enroll participants in accordance with IRB-approved protocols.
• Obtain informed consent, schedule study visits, and maintain regular participant communication.
• Oversee day-to-day study operations, including team training and scheduling.
• Administer structured interviews, behavioral assessments, and psychological questionnaires.
• Coordinate MRI scans and biospecimen collection (blood, saliva, urine); process and ship per protocol.
• Prepare and manage IRB submissions, amendments, and continuing reviews.
• Maintain accurate, complete study records and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Maintain detailed logs, spreadsheets, and tracking systems to monitor study progress, enrollment, visit completion, and data collection timelines; proactively identify and address barriers to enrollment.
• Support budget tracking, billing compliance, and communication with administrative staff.
• Develop and update study materials (e.g., consent forms, source documents, recruitment flyers).
• Participate in lab and sponsor meetings; collaborate with Wayne Health, MR Research Facility, and Lipidomics Core.
• Support additional lab research projects and administrative tasks as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level