Job Description

The Staff Research Associate IV will independently take charge of the development, execution, and methodological refinement of complex behavioral and neuroimaging research studies in the Emotion and Pain Laboratory. Under broad academic direction from the PI, the incumbent exercises independent judgment and technical initiative across all phases of research, from protocol design and psychophysical paradigm development through data interpretation and preparation of written reports for scientific publication. The position requires original contributions to research methodology, deep expertise in neuroimaging and psychophysical assessment, and proven ability to manage complex clinical research involving Veterans with chronic pain and comorbid psychiatric conditions.

Responsibilities

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job. The functions should add up to 100%.

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

50
YesCoordinate recruitment, scheduling, screening, tracking, and retention of participants for multicenter clinical research including randomized clinical trials
5
Yes
Obtain consent and ensure adherence to all human participant research regulations

20
YesCoordinate and conduct research study visits with participants, doctors, and other study staff
10
Yes
Oversee data and database management including data collection, entry, verification; assist PI and lab technicians with basic preliminary analysis of psychophysical, questionnaire and neuroimaging data; data reduction and scoring; protection of data

10
Yes
Perform physiological, psychological, neuroimaging and other testing using standardized protocols on research participants with or without mental health concerns and/or chronic pain.

2.5
Yes
Collaborate with study team and PI continuously in an effort to improve procedures

2.5
Yes
Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to: general office management duties scheduling and escorting participants to appointments, etc., IRB management (modifications, add new personnel, etc)

0

0

0

0

0%

(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)

Qualifications

Required:

• B.A. in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computer science, or related health or human services
• 3+ years of related lab/research experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior experience working with challenging populations such as serious mental illness, PTSD, TBI, and chronic pain in clinical and/or research environments.
• Prior experience with equipment used for sensory testing and MRI, for example, Medoc, Biopac, ePRIME, thermal grill
• Prior experience with MRI technology with MR-tech qualifications
• Prior experience working in a team setting.
• Expertise with data entry into a database.
• Strong oral/written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities to achieve desired goals.
• Computer literacy with emphasis on Macintosh and Windows operating systems and software applications.
• Strong accuracy and attention to detail.
• Working knowledge with R and python programming
• Ability to manage multiple projects, tasks and priorities to achieve desired goals.

Preferred:

• Programming experience
• Experience with sensory testing equipment (e.g., QST, thermal grill)
• Experience with brain imaging equipment (e.g., MRI)
• MR-technician certification preferable
• SCID certification preferable