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Reference #: 1008949 SHIFT:Day (United States of America)

The Center for Autism Research (CAR) has a three-part mission: to better understand autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in order to develop effective interventions and supports through research; to serve the needs of autistic individuals and their family members through education and guidance throughout the lifespan; and to train the next generation of master clinicians and scientists in state-of-the-science best practices for autism screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Working at CAR provides the opportunity to be a part of innovative, breakthrough research on this complex developmental diagnosis that affects 1 in 36 people in the United States. Most studies at CAR involve behavioral evaluations, brain imaging, cutting-edge artificial intelligence methodologies, and understanding the genetics aimed at identifying the fundamental mechanisms of ASD.

We are seeking multiple full-time Clinical Research Assistants I (CRA I) to collaborate on various research projects at CAR, including projects focused on social and emotional development, non-social features of autism, improving early screening and diagnosis, supporting the transition to adulthood, clinical trials, the relationship between motor and social development among youth with and without an ASD diagnosis, and understanding differences in brain development in children with ASD and Down syndrome.

The ideal candidates are highly organized, have excellent people skills, are self-motivated and curious, and possess an analytical mind. Project coordination is a key part of these positions, requiring the CRA to organize workflows, oversee work-study students, effectively assign and monitor multiple tasks simultaneously, and create progress reports for federally funded research.

Primary CRA duties may include but are not limited to: assisting in all aspects of participant recruitment, including contacting caregivers and teachers to obtain their consent, scheduling visits and information collection calls, distributing consent forms, and maintaining accurate records; collecting phenotypic data through various study paradigms in the lab and/or in community settings (videotaping/audiotaping activities, one-on-one testing of children), collecting physiological data (electrophysiology, heart rate, skin conductance), collecting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from either awake adolescents or toddlers during sleep, and administering phone-based standardized screenings or tests; organizing data collected through paper and pencil or online questionnaires and tests, compiling and reducing large quantities of data under the direction of the principal investigator; performing data entry, coding and analysis, including coding/transcription of videotaped and audio recorded data, entering testing data into databases and/or spreadsheets, statistical analysis of data using statistical software and R; assisting with IRB protocol amendments, poster presentations, and publication preparation (including conducting literature reviews, creating figures, etc.).

The CRA will work as part of a team composed of developmental psychologists, clinical psychologists, physicians, and computer scientists. CAR is a collaborative environment; we are looking for self-motivated team players with excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills to support our research efforts. As at least one of the positions involves working primarily with families from minoritized backgrounds, so previous lived and/or professional experience with minoritized families is preferred for at least one person hired in this position. Prior experience with some or all these duties is a plus but is not necessary; many Research Assistant duties can be learned on the job. Successful applicants will be fast learners who enjoy working in a bustling research environment.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in psychology, child development, pre-med, or similar, with some prior research experience preferred. Experience with project coordination and oversight of volunteers or undergrad students is a plus. Experience working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental disorder, and their families is preferred. Experience working with racially and ethnically diverse populations and/or economically under-represented populations is preferred for at least one position. Experience working in clinical, medical, or community settings is preferred for at least one position. Experience collecting and working with physiological data (EEG, hear rate, skin conductance) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data is a plus for most positions but at least two positions have a strong preference for these skills. Statistical knowledge and interest; ability to use/learn a statistical software package (e.g., SPSS, R) is preferred. Computer skills including Word, Excel, stimulus presentation software (e.g., python, MATLAB), and database software are preferred. Ability to function independently in a clinical research setting, and to take active direction from a supervisor. Excellent problem-solving skills. Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to contribute as a team player. Excellent organizational ability and ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and pay attention to detail. Ability to handle confidential materials. Ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekend days to meet scheduling needs of study participants and their families (for at least one position).

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A Brief Overview Under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and/or other study team members, this role provides support in the conduct of clinical research.

Job responsibilities may include human subject research activities including but not limited to subject enrollment, data/sample collection, data entry, and regulatory submissions support.

What you will do Provide technical and administrative support in the conduct of clinical research: Patient/research participant scheduling Patient/Research Participant screening for inclusion/exclusion criteria or case history Data collection Data entry Data management Laboratory sample processing Clinical research study procedures or questionnaire administration Organization of research records and/or other study related documentation Research Study Compliance Adhere to IRB approved protocols and compliance with HIPAA and handling confidential materials Comply with Institutional policies, SOPs and guidelines Comply with federal, state, and sponsor policies