Job Description

The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR) seeks to hire an ABCD Research Assistant (8351 SM: Research Professional 1 - Soc Sci-Multidisc) responsible for executing all tasks associated with the ABCD (Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development) protocol which include neuroimaging, neurocognitive assessments and clinical interview or self-report measures designed to assess eligibility criteria, psychopathology, medical health, social relationships, personality, and substance use. Research Assistants will review data to assure quality and transfer data to ABCD Informatics Center. They will work closely with the ABCD research participants assessing complex psychological traitsâ”a bachelor degree in a psychology or related field is required as well as a flexible work schedule (evenings and weekends) and the ability to work on-site at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) and Elliott Hall. Research experience, knowledge of DSM, excellent verbal communication, attention to detail, problem-solving skills and ability to work independently are preferred.

ABCD Research Assistants are appointed by the MCTFRâ™s Scientific Director and report to the ABCD Coordinator and ABCD Coordinating Center (UCSD) staff. The position is a 100%-time Civil Service appointment. Appointment is renewable with acceptable performance and contingent on availability of funds and/or work for the position. Hourly pay range is $20.20 - $23.08 and is commensurate with education and experience.

Job Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Interviews research participants - 60% 
  • ABCD Research Assistant is familiar with the entire ABCD Study protocol; 
  • Photographs twin participants to assess zygosity using visual comparison;
  • Conducts clinical interviews and self-report surveys in-person, via remote video conference, and via phone; 
  • Conducts neurocognitive assessments;
  • Understands emergency procedures.
• Acts as a research representative of the ABCD Study - 15%
  • ABCD Research Assistant contacts study participants; describes study goals, assessment tasks, confidentiality limitations and potential risks; plus schedules assessment appointments; 
  • Greets study participants;
  • Describes study procedures thoroughly;
  • Answers participant questions;
  • Obtains informed consent; 
  • Debrief participants at the end of the visit;
  • Maintains required recruitment and assessment documentation.  
• Assists with neuroimaging protocol - 10%
  • Runs participants through mock MRI scanner at Elliott Hall; 
  • Acts as second-chair at CMRR during neuroimaging protocol alongside a trained operator; 
  • Executes E-Prime tasks.
• Schedules research participants - 10%
  • ABCD Research Assistant schedules participants for on-site visits, video conferencing assessments, and phone interviews;
  • Utilizes Google, REDCap, and CMRR calendars for scheduling;
  • Reminds participants of their upcoming appointments.
• Carries out independent tasks - 5%
  • Reviews and codes/scores interviews post-interview to assure completeness, readiness for data entry and ABCD Informatics/Coordinating Center review;
  • Contacts research participants and participantsâ™ teachers and schools;
  • Participates in team meetings and teleconference calls;
  • Assists with miscellaneous data management projects.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, or an equivalent combination of psychology related education and/or research experience totaling at least four (4) years.
• Required to work evenings and weekends with ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule.
• At least 3 months of prior research experience interviewing research participants, conducting structured clinical interviews, and neuropsychological testing.
• Experience calling/recruiting families for research studies
• Experience working with minoritized/underrepresented populations

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Detail-oriented, ability to work independently and excellent verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with mandated reporting requirements in MN
• Prior MRI 1st and/or 2nd chair experience
• Prior experience collecting hair, urine, saliva, blood pressure, and anthropometrics from research participants
• Prior phlebotomy experience
• Active CPR certification

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

Connections working at University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Flexible hours, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,

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