Research Assistant, Fractional Time – Institute for Brain Health

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Wayne State University seeks a Research Assistant (Fractional Time) for the Institute for Brain Health in Detroit. The role supports recruitment, screening, scheduling, and data quality for youth participants and caregivers, while leading Community Advisory Board activities and contributing to dissemination of findings.

The position emphasizes collaboration with the Principal Investigator and Laboratory Manager, participation in weekly meetings, and potential involvement in additional lab

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience or related field.
• 3–4 years of job-related experience (preferably in human subject, clinical or behavioral research).
• Knowledge of human subjects research practices and procedures.
• Experience administering questionnaires, interviews, or other research procedures to study participants or clinical populations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate BEAM study activities and assist with recruitment, screening and scheduling of visits.
• Administer interviews and questionnaires; assist with brain imaging activities and data quality checks.
• Lead Community Advisory Board activities and support community engagement and dissemination.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Independent & collaborative work

Research data management

Participant recruitment & screening

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, or related field

Job description

Research Assistant, Fractional Time – Institute for BrainHealth

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant, Fractional Time – Institute for Brain Health at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Position Purpose:

The Research Assistant supports the Principal Investigator and Laboratory Manager in the coordination and implementation of the Brains, Experiences, and Mental Health (BEAM) study within the Ruvvy Resilience Lab. The position supports participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, consenting, study visits, data quality activities, and research procedures involving youth participants and their caregivers. The Research Assistant also leads Community Advisory Board activities, contributes to community engagement and public dissemination efforts, and supports the development of research products and independent research activities. The position may provide similar research support for other laboratory studies as needed.

Essential Functions

Conducts Research Visits and Supports Data Collection:

Conducts research visits with youth participants and their caregivers in accordance with approved study protocols. Administers interviews, questionnaires and other research procedures; assists with brain imaging activities; monitors participant needs during study visits; and performs basic data review and quality assurance to support the accuracy and completeness of study data.

Supports Research Dissemination and Scholarly Activities:

Contributes to the development of scientific research products, including peer-reviewed manuscripts, research posters, presentations, abstracts and other materials used to communicate study findings to academic and professional audiences.

Participates in Laboratory and Research Meetings:

Participates in weekly laboratory meetings and regular meetings with the Principal Investigator and Laboratory Manager to discuss research activities, participant recruitment and enrollment, study progress, emerging issues and assigned projects.

Leads Community Advisory Board Activities:

Coordinates and facilitates Community Advisory Board activities, including scheduling meetings, communicating with members, preparing for and leading meetings, documenting discussions and distributing meeting recaps and follow-up information.

Conducts Participant Recruitment and Screening:

Supports recruitment of potential study participants through telephone, email, flyers, social media and other approved outreach methods. Conducts preliminary participant screening and communicates study information to prospective participants and their families in accordance with established research protocols.

Coordinates Study Scheduling and Participant Logistics:

Coordinates study visits with participants, families, research staff and the Magnetic Resonance Research Facility (MRRF). Manages scheduling communications and assists with participant preparation and logistical coordination to support the timely completion of study activities.

Supports Community Engagement and Public Dissemination:

Supports community engagement and public dissemination of research through local events, outreach activities, social media campaigns, video production and editing, content development and other activities designed to communicate research findings and promote community awareness and participation.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

Unique Duties:

Physical Requirements:

The position requires the ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone and electronically; remain seated or standing for extended periods; operate standard office and research equipment; and move throughout office, laboratory, clinical/research and community environments. The position may require occasional movement or transportation of light materials and equipment associated with research and community engagement activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, neuroscience or a related field.

Experience:

Intermediate (3 to 4 years’ job-related experience).

Three to four years of job-related experience, preferably in a human subject, clinical or behavioral research laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of human subjects research practices and research procedures involving study participants.

Experience administering questionnaires, interviews, assessments or other research procedures to study participants or clinical populations.

Familiarity with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research procedures is preferred.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with research participants, children, families, research staff and community members through telephone, email text messaging and in-person interactions.

Strong organizational interpersonal scheduling and time management skills.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with children adolescents families research participants community members and research professionals.

Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within a collaborative research environment.

Ability to maintain accurate records and follow established research protocols and procedures.

Ability to handle sensitive participant information appropriately and maintain confidentiality.

Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and contribute to community-facing research dissemination activities.

Ability to speak read and write a second language is preferred.

School College Division:

The Division of Research & Innovation

Primary Department:

H0905 - VP Research

Employment Type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Fractional Time
• Job category: Research

Funding Salary Information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Annual Salary: To be determined

Working Conditions:

Normal office and research laboratory environment.

The position requires regular interaction with youth participants caregivers research staff and community members.

Work may involve participation in community events and activities outside the laboratory.

Availability during morning hours (approximately 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.), weekday evenings and weekends is required to accommodate participant schedules research visits community engagement activities and study operations.

Job Openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.