Research Associate I

University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Associate I supports an interdisciplinary research team in the Bipolar Disorder Research Center at Dell Medical School, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas at Austin. Under Dr. Jorge Almeida, the role collects and analyzes psychological and neuroimaging measures in people with bipolar disorder, primarily for the BD² Integrated Network study. That network connects 11 clinical institutions to share real-world clinical, biological, and neuroimaging data, with the goal of uncovering bipolar disorder biology and accelerating discoveries into care. It is intended to follow more than 4,000 people with bipolar disorder over five years. The position conducts research activities including neuroimaging data collection, neurocognitive assessments, biospecimen collection and processing, participant recruitment and consent, data entry and analysis, and research documentation. It also contributes to reports, presentations, manuscripts, protocol and SOP development, regulatory and IRB submissions, and laboratory upkeep. The position is grant-funded and expected to continue through August 31, 2027, with renewal dependent on funding, performance, and progress toward research goals. Work may include weekends, evenings, and other hours outside the normal business day.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Public Health, or a related field, with relevant research experience; relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, critical thinking, and attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from varied backgrounds, including willingness and ability to train and oversee undergraduate and graduate students.
Comfort working in an interdisciplinary setting and interacting with people living with serious mental illness.
Experience with data entry.
Strong computer skills using a variety of programs.
Ability and willingness to work outside normal business hours when needed, including weekends or after normal business hours.
Ability to interpret experimental results, identify data trends, troubleshoot research issues, maintain accurate records, and collaborate professionally.
Proficiency using laboratory equipment and scientific software.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Psychology, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Public Health, or a related field.
Two years of relevant laboratory experience, including experience with techniques specific to the research area.
Experience with REDCap.
Experience collecting, processing, and/or shipping biospecimen samples.
Experience administering neurocognitive batteries.
Experience with quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis.
Experience reporting or presenting research findings through conference posters, published manuscripts, or similar formats.
Clinical Research Associate certification from ACRP or a similar certification.
Phlebotomy certification.
Level I or Level II MRI certification.
Human Subjects Research and/or Good Clinical Practice certification.

Responsibilities

Conduct research activities, including obtaining neuroimaging data, administering neurocognitive assessments, and collecting, processing, and shipping biospecimen samples.
Collect, enter, and analyze research data using scientific techniques, statistical software, and research databases.
Provide tactful support to research participants by phone, email, and other methods.
Assist with participant recruitment, outreach, prescreening, eligibility confirmation, and informed consent.
Maintain accurate records of research procedures and results.
Interpret data, identify trends, troubleshoot experimental issues, and prepare reports for senior researchers.
Assist with research publications and presentations, including drafting manuscript sections, reviewing content, and following publication guidelines.
Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment; keep the laboratory clean, organized, and supplied; and follow safety procedures.
Coordinate research activities with staff, participate in meetings, share progress updates, and communicate with external collaborators and stakeholders.
Assist with developing and optimizing research protocols and updating standard operating procedures.
Ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical guidelines; assist with IRB submissions and management, including preparing documentation and coordinating timely review and approval.
Conduct literature reviews, summarize findings, and present them to the research team.
Train and guide new research staff and interns and assist with onboarding.
Perform related duties as required.