Research Specialist

The Perinatal Health and Behaviors (PHAB) Lab, led by Dr. Michele Levine, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and safe environment for all staff and participants. The lab prioritizes diversity and actively works to address longstanding inequities in research and academia. PHAB conducts rigorous research aimed at improving perinatal health outcomes and advancing mental and physical health among birthing individuals. Ongoing projects, led by Drs. Rachel Kolko Conlon and Christine Call, examine maternal and infant behaviors related to appetite, eating, sleep, and circadian rhythms during the first year of life, as well as the impact of food insecurity on health and wellbeing during pregnancy and the postpartum period. There will also be opportunities to collaborate with other lab members on related studies with similar goals and outcomes.

This role includes conducting research assessments with participants, coordinating recruitment efforts, maintaining accurate participant records and tracking systems, supporting participant retention strategies, and supervising a team of undergraduate research assistants. Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues on research activities and publications are available. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, comfortable engaging with participants, and capable of managing multiple responsibilities and procedures simultaneously. An interest in research and working within a collaborative, supportive team is essential, and prior research experience is preferred. Flexibility is required to accommodate participants’ schedules and needs. Regular in-office presence is necessary to contribute effectively to study activities and team collaboration.

This is a grant funded position.

Responsibilities:

• Independently execute job functions for research protocol(s) including recruitment, scheduling appointments, obtaining written consent forms, collecting data by conducting phone or face to face interviews for research project(s).
• Meet with study participants to conduct assessments and maintain study records.
• Supervise a team of undergraduate research assistants assisting with lab and study tasks.
• Maintain study documents with close attention to detail and organization.
• Collaborate with senior research personnel regarding recruitment, data collection, outcomes of interviews, reports according to the needs of the study.
• 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.
• Familiarity with computers and common software packages required.
• Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.
  
  

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• 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