Research Assistant - Hourly

Summary:

At VCU, we Make it Real through learning, research, creativity, service and discovery - the hallmarks of the VCU experience. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It's a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive.

The Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS) advances multidisciplinary research and training on the neuroscience of addictions and related neurobehavioral disorders. This position will support research study activities conducted by the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) team. This position is also responsible for data collection from human-subject volunteers required for a biomedical behavioral research study.
Work hours vary but usually include weekdays 9:30 PM - 6:00 PM and Saturdays 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM.

Typical Duties:

Duties include, but are not limited to:

1) Biological data collection, collection and testing of urine, saliva, and/or hair samples for drug testing, as well as administration of breathalyzer assessment of alcohol intoxication
2) Psychometric data collection, including administration, collection and scoring of either paper-and-pencil or computer-drive
questionnaires or cognitive performance tasks
3) Psychiatric data collection as obtained in structured face-to-face psychiatric interviews with research
participants
4) Collection of brain imaging-related behavioral data in conjunction with MRI Technologist, such as administering computerized
tasks during MRI session
5) Placing advertisements for research study participants
6) Telephone pre-screening of potential research participants, phone based assessments, and scheduling appointments
7) Collection of informed consent from prospective research volunteers
8) Accurate calculation and administration of research subject compensation

Required Qualifications:

- Computer skills including word processing, data entry, spreadsheet, database management, and entry level statistical/programming skills required.
- Clinical skills, including fundamental clinical skills such as
establishing rapport, maintaining participant motivation, empathetic
responding, ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, and
ability to use clinical judgment in (rare) emergency situations.
- Organizational skills, including understanding of HIPAA regulations, VCU Office of Research Subjects Protection (ORSP) procedures.
- Ability to work in a diverse environment required. Ability to work around a MRI machine.
- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.


Preferred Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree
or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience
working with adolescent populations is preferred.

Job Specific Physical and Cognitive Requirements

Must be able to work around an MRI machine.