Research Coordinator I

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, staff, and students that make the university a great place to work. The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking a highly motivated fixed-term Research Coordinator I in the Brain and Creativity Institute. The largest and oldest of the USC schools, USC Dornsife functions as the academic core of the university, offering courses and advancing knowledge across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. The Research Coordinator will support a large federally funded research project focused on identifying objective neurobehavioral markers of mental health risk, resilience, and well-being in young adults. SENTINEL brings together neuroscience, psychology, psychiatry, engineering, artificial intelligence, and digital health to develop innovative approaches for the early detection and monitoring of depression, suicidality, stress, and other mental health conditions. The project integrates laboratory-based neurophysiological assessments with real-world monitoring using wearable devices, ecological momentary assessment (EMA), speech and behavioral measures, and advanced computational modeling. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to work on cutting-edge research at the intersection of mental health, neuroscience, digital biomarkers, and precision medicine.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Public Health, Biology, Health Sciences, or a related field.
• At least one year of research, clinical, healthcare, or related professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, REDCap, and cloud-based collaboration tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining high standards of accuracy and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and responsibly handle sensitive information.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working on human subjects research studies.
• Experience interacting with individuals with mental health conditions in research or clinical settings.
• Experience collecting EEG, psychophysiological, or behavioral data.
• Experience with participant recruitment and retention in longitudinal studies.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Highly detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple study activities simultaneously.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team.
• Show initiative, adaptability, and strong problem-solving abilities.
• Comfortable working with sensitive mental health information while maintaining participant confidentiality and professionalism.
• EEG or psychophysiological data collection
• Mental health or psychiatric research
• Suicide prevention research
• Clinical trial coordination
• Human subjects research
• Ecological momentary assessment (EMA)
• Wearable sensors and digital health technologies
• Behavioral or cognitive testing
• Longitudinal cohort studies
• Data management and quality assurance
• Digital phenotyping and computational mental health

Responsibilities

• Recruit, screen, enroll, and retain research participants, including young adults with diverse mental health profiles.
• Coordinate participant scheduling for laboratory visits, remote assessments, and longitudinal follow-up activities.
• Explain study procedures, obtain informed consent, and maintain regular communication with participants throughout multi-year study participation.
• Administer clinical, cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial assessments.
• Collect neurophysiological and psychophysiological data, including EEG, ECG, electrodermal activity (EDA), eye-tracking, and wearable sensor data.
• Manage ecological momentary assessment (EMA), smartphone-based data collection, and remote monitoring protocols.
• Assist with participant safety monitoring and implementation of study procedures related to mental health and suicide risk assessment.
• Maintain accurate study records, databases, and regulatory documentation.
• Perform data quality assurance procedures and assist with data organization and preparation for analysis.
• Coordinate study meetings, training activities, and communication among investigators, students, clinicians, and research staff.
• Assist with IRB submissions, progress reports, and other regulatory requirements.
• Support dissemination activities, including presentations, publications, and project reports.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network
• eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment
• tuition benefits for staff and their family
• free Professional Development classes
• central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services
• discounts to sporting and other campus events

What This Job Offers

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