Job Description

Position Overview:

The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR) seeks to hire a Research Assistant (8351SM: Research Professional 1 - Social Sciences Multidiscipline) responsible for recruitment and assessment of study participants in a project examining the long-term impact of Recreational Cannabis Legalization. Assessments include clinical interviews, neuropsychological and personality-related testing. Research Assistants also are responsible for reviewing data to assure quality. This role will work closely with MCTFR research participants and MCTFR co-investigators, so a successful candidate will have research experience plus outstanding communication and problem-solving skills. This role requires some onsite work at Elliott Hall, and flexible scheduling, including remote work on some evenings and weekends.  

The Research Assistant is appointed by the MCTFR Director and reports to the COMN Site Coordinator and Principal Investigators. The position is a 100%-time civil service appointment, which includes health, dental, vacation and sick-time benefits, and is covered by Social Security and Minnesota State Retirement System. A background check is required, and applicants must verify authorization to work in the United States. Appointment is renewable with acceptable performance and contingent on availability of funds and/or work for the position. Salary range is $44,000 - $52,000 and is commensurate with education and experience.

Job Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Interviews Research Participants (65%):
  • Conduct clinical assessments both in-person and via phone/Zoom, including structured interviews of psychopathology and related conditions, and neuropsychological testing
  • Thoroughly explain study, answer participant questions, and obtain informed consent or assent
  • Maintain required assessment documentation

• Recruits Study Participants (15%):
  • Contact and encourage current and potential new research participants to engage in a research protocol. Schedule assessments and maintain contact with participants prior to their appointments to ensure assessment completion. Reschedule participants as necessary
  • Maintain digital records of recruitment information and schedules in order to ensure timely and complete participation in the research protocol

• Study-Related Tasks (including but not limited to) (20%):
  • Process consent forms and returned DNA samples, initiate participant payments when needed
  • Assist with training new personnel on study protocol
  • With Principal Interviewer, conduct quality control review of interviews to maintain reliability across sites
  • Other study-related tasks as needed

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, or an equivalent combination of education and/or relevant research experience totaling at least four (4) years
• Prior experience working in a research context or conducting clinical interviews
• Able to work evenings and weekends with the ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule
• Excellent verbal communication skills - must be comfortable speaking on the phone during recruitment and assessment calls

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience working with minoritized/underrepresented populations
• 1-2 years experience conducting structured clinical interviews and neuropsychological tests with research participants
• Familiarity with psychiatric diagnostic systems
• Problem-solving skills and attention to detail to work independently and assure accuracy

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.

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