UNIV - Research Program Assistant - Psychiatry: Addiction Sciences Division

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The candidate will work on research studies, as well as substance use prevention education and outreach programming, within MUSC’s Youth Collaborative. This includes research studies that focus on understanding the effects of youth substance use (e.g., alcohol, cannabis, vaping) on the adolescent brain and body. These studies will involve recruitment of research participants, the collection of psychological and biological research data, data entry, and organizational tasks. The candidate will be directly involved in the collection of questionnaire, interview, laboratory, neuroimaging, and other research data related to ongoing and future research studies. The candidate will also help support the outreach and educational programming within MUSC’s Youth Collaborative. This position requires a dynamic individual with strong communication and organizational skills.

Requirements

• A high school diploma and three years of relevant program experience.
• A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required program experience.
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends, as these are the times young adults are typically available to participate in the studies.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s degree in psychology, premed, neuroscience, biology, nursing, or other life sciences or health care field is preferred.
• Prior research experience in a lab, knowledge of REDCap data entry, management, reporting tools, interviewing research participants, conducting structured clinical interviews, neuropsychological tests and collecting biospecimens not required but valued.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Experience working with adolescents and emerging young adults (ages 14-25).
• Excellent verbal communication and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work independently and assure accuracy.
• The ability to collect, organize, and analyze information in a clear and concise manner.

Responsibilities

• Lead study visits and intake assessments: including performing diagnostic interviews consisting of structured clinical interviews and other related instruments; Document participant assessment data in research records and manages ongoing organization; Study recruitment activities (e.g., outreach events, flyers, tabling); Screening of interested individuals; Scheduling management of medical personnel for research study visits when necessary; Collection and testing of biospecimens: including blood, urine, saliva, breath; Prepares reagents and buffers required for sample processing; Uses lysis techniques to extract genomic DNA from saliva samples; Performs quality control checks on extracted DNA to assess concentration and purity prior to sequencing; Assists with the shipment and submission of DNA samples; Refers patients to resources available in community and social services; Assist with neuroimaging protocol: Acts as second-chair at the Center for Biomedical Imaging (CBI) during neuroimaging protocol alongside a trained operator; Problem solves issues that arise during clinical session and MRI scanning and participates in trouble shooting and developing alternative approaches; Assists with data transfer. Participant reminders of their upcoming appointments and daily surveys.
• Promote, integrate, and support MUSC Youth Collaborative prevention and educational programs Assist with school engagement, community outreach, promotion, education initiatives, and recruitment for programs; Identifies and solicits input and feedback from instructors, community members, school contacts, and students on the direction of the program; Schedules and completes interviews; Maintains updated and ongoing contact list of all program contacts, vendors, and events; Assists in data collection and development of program evaluation surveys, curriculum surveys, and establishes and leads focus groups to support program growth.
• Perform various lab support tasks to ensure compliance and lab organization: Prepare for and lead weekly research team meetings with PIs and other study team members. Ensures meeting agendas and minutes are provided to the team and sent out prior to and after meetings; Assist with regulatory documentation for submissions (Institutional Review Board), Continuing Reviews, Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPR), Data and Safety Monitoring Board meetings, and other reports as required; Manage participant payments for all relevant studies and completes purchasing requests when necessary; Maintain research supplies and monitor and arrange for periodic calibration of laboratory equipment; Assist with team email oversight. Answers to questions that come through phone and email systems; Manages multiple calendars for scheduling.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need. Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED