Research Associate I

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Associate I supports scientific research by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, maintaining laboratory equipment, and contributing to research publications and protocol development. The role supports an interdisciplinary research team in the Bipolar Disorder Research Center at Dell Medical School, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin. The work includes collecting and analyzing psychological and neuroimaging measures among people with bipolar disorder, primarily for the BD² Integrated Network study, which connects 11 clinical institutions to share clinical, biological, and neuroimaging data and aims to follow more than 4,000 people with bipolar disorder over five years. This is a grant-funded position expected to continue through August 31, 2027, and may be renewed depending on funding, work performance, and progress toward research goals. The position requires work on weekends and/or outside normal business hours. It is based in Austin, Texas, and involves standard office equipment, keyboard use, and possible exposure to biohazards, chemicals, chemical fumes, and electrical or mechanical hazards. Occasional weekend, overtime, and evening work may be needed to meet deadlines.

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 ability, 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.
Willingness and ability to work outside normal business hours when needed, including weekends.
Strong computer skills and proficiency with a variety of programs.
Ability to interpret experimental results, identify data trends, and troubleshoot experimental issues.
Ability to maintain precise records, collaborate professionally, coordinate experiments, and support team goals.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Psychology, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Public Health, or a related field.
Two years of relevant laboratory experience, including techniques specific to the research area.
Experience with the REDCap database.
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, such as through conference posters or published manuscripts.
Clinical Research Associate (CRA) certification from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or similar certification.
Phlebotomy certification.
Level I or Level II MRI certification.
Human Subjects Research and/or Good Clinical Practice certification.

Responsibilities

Conduct research experiments under senior researchers’ guidance, including obtaining neuroimaging data, administering neurocognitive assessments, and collecting, processing, and shipping biospecimen samples.
Collect and analyze data using scientific techniques and enter data into electronic research databases.
Provide tactful support to research participants by phone, email, and other means.
Assist with study recruitment, including outreach, contacting potential participants, prescreening, confirming eligibility, and obtaining informed consent.
Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures and results.
Analyze research data using statistical software and tools, interpret results, 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 stocked; and follow safety protocols.
Coordinate experiments with research staff, share findings, participate in team meetings, and communicate with external collaborators and stakeholders.
Assist in developing and optimizing research protocols and updating standard operating procedures.
Ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical guidelines.
Assist with IRB submissions and management by preparing documentation, coordinating with IRB representatives, and ensuring timely submission 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.