Research Assistant - Department of Psychiatry

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University in Detroit is seeking a Research Assistant for the Department of Psychiatry. This position involves providing scientific and technical assistance for various research projects, including designing and conducting experiments, recruiting participants, and data analysis. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and demonstrate proficiency in communication and time management skills.

The ideal applicant will be entering the field with little experience and have foundational knowledge in research techniques. The role offers full-time employment in a dynamic and potentially high-stress work environment.

Qualifications

• Entry level with basic research techniques or human-subjects interaction preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• 1000+ supervised clinical practicum hours preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory-based scientific techniques or clinical/patient research.
• Design and conduct experiments, recruit participants, develop surveys.
• Analyze data using graphs, charts, or tables to highlight key findings.

Skills

Ability to work independently

Data analysis

Microsoft Office proficiency

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s Degree (preferred)

Job description

Research Assistant – Department of Psychiatry

Position Overview: Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to complete laboratory‑based, clinical or population science research. May assist in writing research protocols and manuscript preparation. Design and perform research protocols independently or as directed through training in more difficult or specialized procedures to meet research protocol needs.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory‑based scientific techniques or clinical/patient research.
• Design and conduct experiments, recruit participants, develop surveys, and interview candidates.
• Implement research objectives and ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines.
• Assist staff with experiments/research protocols as needed.
• Communicate progress to the Principal Investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows.
• Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes, and survey data.
• Analyze data using graphs, charts or tables to highlight key findings.
• Proofread and edit research data and documents for accuracy.
• Assist in writing methods, summarizing data, and preparing presentations for conferences and peer‑reviewed journals.
• Maintain laboratory work areas, routine equipment maintenance, and ordering supplies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (preferred).
• Experience: Entry level (less than a year of job‑related experience) with basic research techniques or human‑subjects interaction (preferred).
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to work independently; analyze, summarize and interpret research findings; scientific integrity; time management; organization; interpersonal and communication; Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Preferred Qualifications: Master’s Degree; completion of curriculum in counseling or clinical psychology doctoral program (PhD/PsyD); mastery of therapeutic modalities (CBT, DBT, ACT, etc.); 1000+ supervised clinical practicum hours; strong oral and written communication; knowledge of organization policies; interviewing skill; multidisciplinary teamwork.

Employment Details

• Employment type: Regular Employee, Full Time, Research.
• Compensation: Annual Salary (minimum and maximum TBD).
• Working conditions: May be exposed to communicable diseases; high‑stress environment; laboratory and/or office setting; may require non‑standard hours and travel to conferences.
• Job openings: 3 positions.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wayne State welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and veterans. Wayne State is an equal opportunity employer.