HBCD Research Associate - 135045

UCSD Department of Pediatrics 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.

The Division of Environmental Science & Health within the Department of Pediatrics is involved in four major areas: 1) providing clinical services to patients with birth defects and developmental disabilities, 2) providing public health services in counseling patients, providers and education to the public about pregnancy and lactation exposures and their impact on child development and health, 3) a teaching program that includes undergraduate students, graduate students in epidemiology, medical students, and post -doctoral students, pediatrics, epidemiology, health behavior, global health, pharmacy, and other specialties; and 4) conducting clinical research to better understand the causes, prevention and treatment of birth defects and developmental disabilities. Research programs and projects within the Division involve federal, state and industry sponsored grants and contracts totaling over $60 million. These encompass national and international studies that require complex interrelated infrastructure and shared resources both within the Division and with collaborators and subcontractors outside the Division.

Under supervision, the Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Research Associate supports neurocognitive research efforts and uses neuroimaging methods in research studies. Duties will include: recruitment and retention of research subjects; coordinating subject appointments with facilities and staff; biological samples collection and storage; and data collection with youth and their parent/guardian. Responsibilities also include collection and storage of biological samples; administer diagnostic interviews acquiring confidential and sensitive information including substance use during pregnancy and medical/mental health history; and administer neurocognitive assessments and symptom rating scales. Conduct magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the offspring beginning in infancy as a certified 3T MRI scan operator (training and certification will be provided). Conduct EEG and neuropsychological testing on offspring beginning in infancy (training and certification will be provided). Duties also include maintenance of accurate and complete clinical research files; update study databases and ensure compliance with standardized protocol. Perform other duties as needed including assist with annual IRB and NIH reporting.

• Theoretical knowledge of psychiatry, psychology, biology or related field and previous research experience in the related field as typically attained by a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Proficiency in using database software including Microsoft Office (Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint). Familiarity with using iPads and apps, and working knowledge of RedCap and E-Prime.

• Demonstrated experience performing research duties in a clinical research environment and coordinating research studies. Experience with following a research protocol in order to initiate study procedures, and collect data.

• Demonstrated experience with collecting sensitive information and communicating effectively with a diverse and high risk population of women or youth, while maintaining confidentiality. Experience with mandated reporting procedures.

• Demonstrated experience administering computerized and paper assessments and self-report questionnaires to youth and/or adults.

• Ability to maintain current MRI Safety Training and Certification through Center for Translational Imaging and Precision Medicine.

• Working knowledge of longitudinal research design and methodology.

• Proven ability to work with site monitor including preparing study records for review and responding to data queries.

• Demonstrated experience administering detailed clinical interviews to youth and their parent/guardian including administering demographic, mental health history, and experience asking individuals about substance use.

• Proven ability to work with minimal direction and work collaboratively with the research team and investigators.

• Excellent planning and organizational skills and ability to work in a changing, multiple-demand setting in order to prioritize a large volume of work and meet deadlines efficiently and accurately.

• Ability to become certified as a 3.0 Tesla MR scanner operator, EEG operator, and phlebotomy certified.

• Experience with assisting in neuroimaging children under the age of 6 months.

• Demonstrated experience abiding by study protocols and established SOPs.

• Excellent planning and organizational skills and ability to work in a changing, multiple-demand setting in order to prioritize a large volume of work and meet deadlines efficiently and accurately.

• Proven experience monitoring subject participation in various components of studies (number of subjects, completion of different components of the test battery, status of toxicology test results), provide reports as requested by Principal Investigator. Develop and maintain a detailed follow up log for assessing participant progress.

• Willingness to complete phlebotomy training to perform blood draws; experience with performing centrifugation and aliquoting samples; preparing samples for storage and shipment.

• Degree in psychology or social sciences.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish. Ability to administer questionnaire in both languages.

• Phlebotomy license.

• Demonstrated experience administering neuropsychological assessments.

• Understanding of IRB and NIH annual and unexpected reporting including enrollment, withdrawals, adverse events, and protocol deviations.

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

• Must be flexible and willing to work some evenings and weekends.

• Willing to work in several locations (e.g., Main Campus, 7910 Frost Street, UCSD MRI facilities) including some driving to scanner locations.

• Must have access to reliable transportation.

• Must meet criteria for eligibility to participate in MRI scanning on high field strength magnets, as determined by the MR facility safety and operator training requirements.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.