Healthy Brain & Child Developmt-Research Associate – 127328

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 12/27/2023 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 1/04/2024. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

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 in English and Spanish to youth and their parent/guardian including administering demographic, mental health history, and experience asking individuals about substance use.

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

• Demonstrated experience abiding by study protocols and established SOPs.

• 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 aliquotting samples; preparing samples for storage and shipment.

• Degree in psychology or social sciences preferred.

• Demonstrated experience administering neuropsychological assessments.

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

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

• Phlebotomy license preferred.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• 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.

• Bilingual with fluency in both English and Spanish highly preferred.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $58,548 – $94,190 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $28.04 – $45.11

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health Sciences is comprised of our School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and our Student Health and Well-Being Department. We have long been at the forefront of translational – or “bench-to-bedside” – research, transforming patient care through discovery and innovation leading to new drugs and technologies. Translational research is carried out every day in the hundreds of clinical trials of promising new therapies offered through UC San Diego Health, and in the drive of our researchers and clinician-scientists who are committed to having a significant impact on patient care. We invite you to join our team!

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