Research Specialist

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Specialist position supports clinical research studies within the Raison Lab. Primary responsibilities include study coordination activities such as participant recruitment, scheduling, data entry, regulatory documentation support, and study visit coordination. The Research Specialist may be cross-trained across additional functions to provide flexible operational support such as training in EEG setup and acquisition, data processing and analysis. Also biospecimen collection and processing, including participant blood and saliva collection, labeling, processing (e.g., centrifugation, aliquoting), storage, and shipment in accordance with study protocols and regulatory requirements. This position works closely with investigators, clinicians, and research staff to support study implementation, ensure high-quality data collection, and maintain protocol compliance. Study activities may include evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight sessions. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills with the ability to follow detailed protocols and manage multiple tasks, strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in participant-facing roles.

Requirements

Familiarity with human subjects research and regulatory requirements (e.g., IRB protocols, informed consent procedures, or GCP guidelines).
Ability to troubleshoot software and hardware issues related to data collection and research equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience acquiring high-density EEG data.
Experience with data analysis using MATLAB or similar platforms.
Willingness to be trained in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) or other neurology based procedures.
Experience with phlebotomy and/or biological sample collection.
Experience with sample processing (e.g., centrifugation, aliquoting, labeling, storage).

Responsibilities

Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s).
Collects data and monitors test results
Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area.
Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders