Cognitive Neuroscience Research Associate II - 134014

UCSD Department of Psychiatry is one of the most innovative and productive academic departments in the country, offering challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of advanced educational programs, cutting-edge research, and state-of-the-art clinical services. The department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

Under supervision, incumbent will serve as a Cognitive Neuroscience Research Associate for an NIH funded study of the cognitive and brain effects of ovarian hormone suppression in women within the Department of Psychiatry. Duties involve conducting structural and functional neuroimaging (MRI) protocols, and testing research participants in a two to three hour cognitive assessment battery (primarily using NIH Toolbox). Other responsibilities include scoring the cognitive test battery and related questionnaires, screening participants for MRI safety, and assisting the investigators as needed with research project tasks (e.g., such as coordination of subject scheduling, screening, purchasing and maintaining test materials, data entry, assisting with literature reviews, and manuscript preparation). The incumbent will also assist with the identification and recruitment of research participants by using EPIC (computerized medical record system) to review clinic schedules, identify potential research participants, and alerting team physicians of upcoming appointments; conducting phone screenings to determine eligibility; scheduling baseline and follow-up assessment sessions according to protocol requirements and addressing participant questions regarding the study prior to assessment day. In addition, the incumbent will assist the PI with the management of lab resources, the oversight/training of undergraduate/volunteer research assistants, and other tasks relevant to the operations of the lab. Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

• Theoretical knowledge of cognitive aging or related fields.

• Theoretical knowledge in Cognitive Neuroscience or another related scientific fields.

• Excellent oral communication skills for conducting cognitive tests in person with participants in English and for conducting MRI safety screenings over the telephone. Ability to read clearly and articulately out loud.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively recruit, test, and motivate research subjects with complex health histories.

• Demonstrated organization skills to keep accurate, retrievable electronic and paper records.

• Proven ability to use tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality in relation to research subjects (e.g., maintain HIPAA privacy and rights of human research subjects).

• Demonstrated experience with PC and software such as Word, Excel, and electronic communication.

• Demonstrated ability to pay attention to details, keep accurate records, file, update computerized administrative files, and conduct computerized library searches.

• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a team environment spanning multiple sites.

• Demonstrated ability to administer computer-based and paper-and-pencil standard neuropsychological assessments that measure basic intellectual aptitude, working/episodic memory, processing speed, visual-spatial ability, etc. in English.

• Ability to coordinate with UCSD Health System staff for day of testing procedures (e.g., phlebotomy, MRI).

• Proven ability to use EPIC (computerized medical record system) to review clinic schedules, identify potential research participants, and alert team physicians of upcoming appointments.

• Demonstrated ability to work with confidential medical record data.

• Demonstrated experience in cognitive/neuropsychological test administration and score at high level of reliability.

• Demonstrated understanding of clinical study of risk and preventive factors for cognitive and brain aging; proven ability to spend the entire session with the research participant (women, average age 18 to 40).

• Ability to schedule baseline and follow-up assessment sessions according to protocol requirements and to address participant questions regarding the study prior to assessment day

• Demonstrated ability to perform structural and functional MRI.

• Demonstrated experience with NIH Toolbox.

• Demonstrated understanding of the physical changes associated with menopause and endometriosis.

• Demonstrated prior experience with structural and functional neuroimaging research.

• Demonstrated experience with the preparation, submission, and management of documents for IRB and NIH review as well as effective management of internal and external study documentation (including, but not limited to, IRB protocols and NIH progress reports).

• Demonstrated ability to properly coordinate lab resources, documents, project records, and grants.

• Demonstrated experience monitoring project expenses with assistance of Department fund manager.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

• Must be able to start work at 7:30am on assessment days.

• A willingness to work flexible hours, including some weekend may be required.