Research Assistant

Background

The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research (NKI) in Orangeburg, NY is focused on understanding the underlying biology of and advancing treatments for psychiatric illnesses. Under the direction of Dr. Russell Tobe, the Clinical Evaluation Center (CEC) conduct a wide range of studies pertaining to development and mental health. Current research projects include innovative MRI-based imaging approaches, investigations of neuroinflammation, and use of behavioral paradigms to probe reward processing in mood disorders, substance use, and typical development.

Job Description

Applications are currently being invited for a Research Assistant position in the CEC. Responsibilities will include any combination of behavioral, neuropsychological and psychiatric assessment, recruitment, data management, data-analysis, imaging acquisition, and supporting grant submission. Effort will be split between the Nathan Kline Institute, MRI facility at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, and community-based recruitment efforts predominantly in New York City. Weekend, select school holiday, and evening effort may be needed to facilitate enrollment of school-aged teens. 

Ideal candidates will have prior human subjects research experience, strong interpersonal skills, strong written and oral communication, and the ability to work as a member of a team as well as independently. Initiative, superb organizational skills, and attention to detail are essential characteristics for success in this position.  Technical skills are a plus but not required. 

NKI fosters a collaborative environment where research assistants can gain excellent clinical and research experience, with the potential for co-authorship on publications.

Responsibilities will include any combination of the following:

• Recruiting and scheduling research participants
• Consenting
• Vitals, lab processing
• Performing data entry and managing data spreadsheets and databases
• Community outreach, posting flyers, interfacing with community agencies, schools, clinics and other recruitment sites
• Supporting grant submissions
• Conducting behavioral, neuropsychological, and psychiatric assessments
• Acquiring MR Imaging data
• Assisting with data analysis
• Assisting with IRB protocol submissions and modifications

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.A. or B.S. in psychology with a minimum overall GPA of 3.5
• Five-day workweek which will include weekend effort at times
• Must have access to a vehicle and valid driver's license to commute between Mt. Sinai Medical Center and NKI
• Experience working with children and families
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong written and oral communication

The Research Assistant will work with depressed and cannabis using pediatric and adult participants as well as their families and support providers. The Research Assistant will be a part of a larger multi-disciplinary team including a child and adolescent psychiatrist, research scientists, and research nurses.