HBCD Research Assistant

Required qualifications:

• BA/BS in Psychology, Human Development, Cognitive or Affective Neuroscience, or a related field, and/or an equivalent combination of research experience totaling at least 4 years.
• Ability to work on-site at the University of Minnesota and evenings/weekends as needed to accommodate a flexible work schedule with an expected 3 nights per week and 2 Saturdays per month.
• Prior experience working in a research context interacting directly with participants.

Preferred qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Prior research experience with infants and/or young children, interviewing research participants, conducting clinical interviews, or collecting biospecimens.
• Prior experience collecting MRI and/or EEG data.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Problem-solving skills and attention to detail to work independently and assure accuracy.

The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR) seeks to hire one HBCD Research Assistant (8351SM: Rsch Pro 1-Soc Sci-Multidisc) responsible for executing all tasks associated with the HBCD Study protocol (Healthy Brain and Child Development: https://heal.nih.gov/research/infants-and-child

The HBCD Research Assistant will work closely with HBCD parent/infant/child participants assessing infant/child development and complex psychological traits. The HBCD Research Assistant will review data to assure quality, will provide the HBCD Site Coordinator with regular reports, and will transfer data to the HBCD Data Informatics Center. Work is onsite at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB), Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), Institute of Child Development, and Elliott Hall.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Major Responsibilities:

Assessment of research participants (60%):

• Conducts assessments and interviews with children and families in person and remotely;
• Collects and ships biospecimens (blood, saliva, nails, urine, stool, other possible biospecimens) as required by HBCD protocol;
• Collects MRI data with infants/children; acts as scan second chair or baby monitor;
• Understands emergency procedures and responds to clinical alerts.

Acts as a research representative of the HBCD Study (30%):

• HBCD Research Assistant contacts study participants; describes study goals, assessment tasks, confidentiality limitations and potential risks; plus schedules assessment appointments;
• Act as a visit lead by describing study procedures thoroughly; obtaining informed consent, answering participant questions, and conducting a visit de-brief;
• Maintains required recruitment and assessment documentation;
• Schedules participant assessment appointments and reminds participants of their upcoming assessment appointments.

Administrative tasks (10%):

• Reviews study assessments post-visit to assure completeness and readiness for data entry and HBCD Informatics/Coordinating Center review;
• Participates in team meetings and teleconference calls;
• Assists with HBCD data management and other miscellaneous projects.

The HBCD Study is recruiting people during pregnancy and following their infants through the first five years of their lives. HBCD Study protocol tasks include: recruitment and retention; scheduling study assessments; conducting parent interview/questionnaire assessments designed to assess eligibility criteria, substance use, psychopathology, medical health, and psychosocial functioning; parent interview/questionnaire, neurocognitive, and observational assessments designed to assess infant/child development, temperament, and psychopathology; parent interview/questionnaire and parent/infant/child biospecimens (e.g., blood, saliva, nails, urine) designed to assess medical health and environmental exposures; and collecting infant/child MRI and EEG data.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).