Research Specialist | The Versace Lab

The Versace's lab, within the Department of Psychiatry, focuses on investigating i) the effects of adolescent concussion on the developing brain, ii) the extent to which these interfere with changes in pubertal hormones in a sensitive developmental window (10-18 y/o), and iii) whether these changes are associated with an increased vulnerability for psychological problems -including symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability, and/or sleep problems- often reported during the first few weeks of concussion. The Versace's lab seeks to be an inclusive and safe space for all staff and participants. We value and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This person will report to Principial Investigators Dr. Versace and Co-I Dr. Lima Santos. They will assist with research activities including advertising, participant recruitment, screening, and scheduling. They will administer the research protocol, which involves completing a structured diagnostic interview for psychiatric disorders; completing a neuroimaging protocol; collecting saliva samples; administering questionnaires via RedCAP; ensuring that data is saved, backed-up, and preprocessed in a timely manner; assisting with IRB- and NDA-related activities; as well as other duties related to the documentation of research activities, review of the literature, preparation of progress reports, presentations, publications, and other lab activities.

This position is grant funded.

Responsibilities:

• Screen participants using phone and remote visits (via Teams).
• Schedule participants' assessments at appropriate time intervals.
• Administer the research protocol at initial evaluation and follow-up evaluations using NetDISC platform, RedCAP, MRI protocols and protocols for collecting saliva specimens.
• Assist with data management - e.g., storing of data, data entry, data cleaning, data integrity checks, and NDA uploads.
• Assist with IRB responsibilities.
• Assist investigators, graduate students, and postdocs with administrative tasks and some data analysis for papers/presentations by performing some aspects as needed.
• Assist with participant recruitment (posting ads in schools/hospitals/stores, newspapers, completing mailings).
• Attend and participate in all project-related meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned and in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Psychology, Neuroscience, Sociology or related research field.
• Minimum of one year of work experience in a research project and/or related clinical setting is required. Three years preferred.
• Familiarity with computers and common software packages required. Familiarity with basic data management packages (e.g., R, SPSS, RedCAP) and coding languages (e.g., c++, python, matlab) is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of research standards is require (e.g., research protocols, manual of operations, data sharing, data user agreements).
• Ability to maintain flexible schedule to accommodate some evening and weekend visits based on participant schedules is required.
• Experience working with adolescents is strongly preferred.
• Experience in clinical research with MRI is strongly preferred.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

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