RESEARCH ASSOCIATE I- NIH (Psychological Science)

1

Edinburg, Texas

College of Liberal Arts / Psychological Science

1

Non-Exempt

Applications are invited for a Research Associate I in the Behavioral Health Lab under the primary supervision of Laura Seligman, Ph.D., ABPP and Joseph Hovey, Ph.D. in the UTRGV Department of Psychological Science. The research associate will be responsible for assisting the principal investigators and research team with an NIH funded clinical trial.

About the Research Trial
This study will compare the efficacy of two behavioral interventions for dental phobia in children. The study treatments are OSTD (One Session Treatment for Dental Phobia in Children) vs. RELAX (Psychoeducation and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Treatment for Dental Phobia). Participants in the study will be randomized to a single treatment arm (OSTD or RELAX). Participants are children and adolescents (ages 7-16) who meet criteria for a diagnosis of a specific phobia.

Applicants with availability for multiple years are strongly preferred. The assignment is estimated to begin Summer 2026 (pending budgetary approval) and will be continued annually based on funding availability.

The core responsibilities of the research associate include participant recruitment and retention, conducting research assessments and procedures and reporting study progress to the Study Coordinator. Other essential tasks include:

• Recruiting and screening study participants
• Scheduling study visits.
• Completing study assessments in compliance with study protocol.
• Assisting study interventionists during treatment visits.
• Collecting, and monitoring data in research databases.
• Disbursing and documenting subject payments.
• Setting up and maintaining research equipment and supplies.
• Maintaining inventory of research related material.
• Preparing or assisting with preparation of reports of research findings.
• Complies with all State and University policies.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Specific supervision from assigned supervisor.

May carry out limited responsibilities in accordance with the project objectives, policies and applicable laws and provides guidance to student employees.

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or a related field from an accredited University.

Master’s degree in Psychology or related field from an accredited university.

None.

No minimum experience required.

Required: Use of personal computer and proficiency in Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.

Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Office/research environment. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which requires presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public. May work evenings and/or weekends depending on appointment schedule.

N/A

Full-Time

Commensurate with Experience

Commensurate with Experience

05/01/2026

Yes

12/31/2031

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

Dear Applicant,

Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:

Date of Birth
Gender

• Ethnicity/Race

Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.

If you have any questions, please visit our Careers site at https://careers.utrgv.edu for detailed contact information.

UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.

All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of Human Resources.