Cognitive Neuroscience Research Associate – 116116

Extended Deadline: Tue 5/31/2022

For the safety and well-being of the entire university community, the University of California requires, with few exceptions, that all students, faculty and staff be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and influenza before they will be allowed on campus or in a facility or office. For more information visit: Flu Vaccine Mandate / COVID Vaccine Policy

This position will remain open until a successful candidate has been identified.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 05/04/2022 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 05/16/2022. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

Description

UCSD Department of Psychiatry 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.

Under supervision, incumbent will serve as a Cognitive Neuroscience Research Associate for an NIH funded study of the cognitive and brain effects of ovarian hormone suppression in women. Duties involve conducting structural and functional neuroimaging (MRI) protocols, and testing research participants in a two to three hour cognitive assessment battery (primarily using NIH Toolbox). Other responsibilities include scoring the cognitive test battery and related questionnaires, screening participants for MRI safety, and assisting the investigators as needed with research project tasks (e.g., such as coordination of subject scheduling, screening, purchasing and maintaining test materials, data entry, assisting with literature reviews, and manuscript preparation).

The incumbent will also assist with the identification and recruitment of research participants by using EPIC (computerized medical record system) to review clinic schedules, identify potential research participants, and alerting team physicians of upcoming appointments; conducting phone screenings to determine eligibility; scheduling baseline and follow-up assessment sessions according to protocol requirements and addressing participant questions regarding the study prior to assessment day. Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Theoretical knowledge of cognitive aging or related fields.
• Theoretical knowledge in Cognitive Neuroscience or another related scientific fields.
• Excellent oral communication skills for conducting cognitive tests in person with participants in English and for conducting MRI safety screenings over the telephone. Ability to read clearly and articulately out loud.
• Effective interpersonal skills to effectively recruit, test, and motivate research subjects with complex health histories.
• Demonstrate ability to perform structural and functional MRI after appropriate training.
• Ability to use tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality in relation to research subjects (e.g., maintain HIPAA privacy and rights of human research subjects).
• Proficiency with PC and software such as Word, Excel, and electronic communication.
• Proven ability to pay attention to details, keep accurate records, file, update computerized administrative files, and conduct computerized library searches.
• Ability to administer computer-based and paper-and-pencil standard neuropsychological assessments that measure basic intellectual aptitude, working/episodic memory, processing speed, visual-spatial ability, etc. in English.
• Proven ability to coordinate with UCSD Health System staff day of testing procedures (e.g., phlebotomy, MRI).
• Ability to use EPIC (computerized medical record system) to review clinic schedules, identify potential research participants, and alert team physicians of upcoming appointments.
• Proficiency in cognitive/neuropsychological test administration and score at high level of reliability.
• Experience with NIH Toolbox.
• Ability to schedule baseline and follow-up assessment sessions according to protocol requirements and to address participant questions regarding the study prior to assessment day
• Demonstrated understanding of clinical study of risk and preventive factors for cognitive and brain aging; ability to spend the entire session with the research participant (women, ages 18 to 40).

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic understanding of the physical changes associated with menopause and endometriosis.
• Prior experience with structural and functional neuroimaging research.

Special Conditions

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
• Assessment days may begin as early as 7:30 am.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including some weekends, is preferred.

Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).

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!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

UC San Diego Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

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