General Notes

This is a grant-funded position with an end date of 08/31/2027, renewable based upon availability of funding, work performance, and progress toward research goals.

Purpose

The Research Associate I supports scientific research by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. This role typically reports to a Principal Investigator or Senior Research Scientist and works closely with other research staff, including Research Technicians and Laboratory Assistants. The Research Associate I is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of experimental results, contributing to research publications, and assisting in the development of new research protocols. This role will assist an interdisciplinary research team in the Bipolar Disorder Research Center under Dr. Jorge Almeida at Dell Medical School, Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin with collecting and analyzing psychological and neuroimaging measures in the bipolar disorder population. This position will primarily, but not only, assist on the BD2 Integrated Network study. The BD Integrated Network connects 11 leading clinical institutions to share real-world clinical, biological, and neuroimaging data, aiming to uncover the biology of bipolar disorder and speed discoveries into care. Ultimately, it will follow more than 4,000 people with bipolar disorder over the course of 5 years. This position will require working on weekends and/or after normal business hours.

Responsibilities

Conduct Research Experiments

• Perform laboratory experiments under the guidance of senior researchers, including obtaining neuroimaging data, administering neurocognitive assessments, and collecting/processing/shipping biospecimen samples.
• Collect and analyze data using various scientific techniques and enter data into electronic research databases.
• Provide exceptional and tactful support to research subjects via phone, email, etc.
• Assist in recruitment of participants to research study, including outreach, contacting potential participants using different methods, conducting pre-screening checks, confirming eligibility criteria, and obtaining informed consent.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures and results.

Data Analysis

• Analyze research data using statistical software and tools.
• Interpret results and prepare reports for review by senior researchers.
• Assist in the preparation of research publications and presentations.
• Assist with manuscripts and publications by drafting sections, reviewing content, and ensuring adherence to publication guidelines.

Laboratory Maintenance

• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment.
• Ensure the laboratory is clean, organized, and stocked with necessary supplies.
• Follow safety protocols and procedures.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with other research staff to coordinate experiments and share findings.
• Participate in team meetings and provide updates on research progress.
• Communicate effectively with external collaborators and stakeholders.

Protocol Development

• Assist in the development and optimization of research protocols.
• Review and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) as needed.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical guidelines.
• Assist with IRB submission and management by preparing necessary documentation, coordinating with IRB representatives, and ensuring timely submission and approval.

Marginal or Periodic Functions

Literature Review

• Conduct literature reviews to support ongoing research projects.
• Summarize findings and present them to the research team.

Training and Mentorship

• Provide training and guidance to new research staff and interns.
• Assist in the onboarding process for new team members.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Interpreting experimental results, identifying trends in data, troubleshooting experimental issues.
• Meticulous in maintaining accurate records and ensuring the precision of experiments.
• Effective in conveying research findings and collaborating with team members in a professional, tactful manner.
• Willing to work on weekends/after normal business hours.
• Strong time management/organization ability and critical thinking skills.
• Proficient in using laboratory equipment and scientific software.
• Coordinating experiments with colleagues, participating in team discussions, supporting team goals.
• Comfortable interacting with people living with serious mental illness.

Required Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor\'s Degree in Psychology, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Public Health or a related field with relevant research experience.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Outstanding organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with a group of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds, including the willingness and ability to train and oversee undergraduate and graduate students.
• Must be comfortable interacting in an interdisciplinary setting and interacting with people living with serious mental illness.
• Experience with data entry.
• Willing and able to work outside of normal business hours when needed.
• Strong computer skills with a variety of programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master\'s Degree in Psychology, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Public Health or a related field.
• 2 years of relevant laboratory experience, including experience with specific techniques used in the research area.
• Experience with REDCap database.
• Experience with collecting, processing, and/or shipping biospecimen samples.
• Experience administering neurocognitive batteries.
• Experience with quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis.
• Experience reporting and/or presenting research findings via conference poster, published manuscript, etc.

Licenses, Registrations or Certifications

Required:

• None.

Preferred:

• Certification as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or similar certification.
• Phlebotomy certification.
• Level I or Level II MRI certification.
• Human Subjects Research and/or Good Clinical Practice certified.

Salary Range

$43,733 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Standard office equipment.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard.
• May work around biohazards.
• May work around chemicals.
• May work around electrical and mechanical hazards.
• May work around chemical fumes.
• Occasional weekend, overtime and evening work to meet deadlines.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

According to Executive Order No. GA-48 of the State of Texas: for all positions that research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), Business and Commerce Code, it is required that both candidates for employment and employees have the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.