Research Assistant I - Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in healthcare education is seeking a motivated Research Assistant I to support innovative research in mental health. This role involves working closely with senior staff on studies related to mood disorders and psychedelic interventions. You will conduct data collection, maintain laboratory protocols, and assist in research analysis. Join a collaborative environment that values employee wellbeing and offers generous benefits, including paid medical premiums and extensive time off. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful research that changes lives and advances scientific discovery.

Benefits

100% paid medical premiums

Generous time off (37-38 days per year)

Longevity Pay

Retirement/pension plan

Free financial and legal counseling

Free mental health counseling

Gym membership discounts

Employee discounts (entertainment, rentals)

Resources for child and elder care

Qualifications

• Experience with psychological autopsies and psychedelic drugs in mental health is a plus.
• Conducting patient recruiting and screening for research studies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research activities under supervision according to protocols.
• Collect and analyze research data for principal investigators.

Skills

General knowledge of psychopathology

Knowledge of abnormal psychology

Clinical research designs

Clinically relevant interviews (e.g., SCID, YMRS)

Data analysis using SPSS

Data collection using Qualtrics

Data management with RedCAP

Education

Bachelor's degree

Relevant experience in lieu of education

Tools

SPSS

Qualtrics

RedCAP

Excel

EndNote

Job description

Research Assistant I - Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston

250000F8 Requisition #

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UTHealth Houston is looking for a highly-motivated Research Assistant I! This individual will work closely with the Director of the Psychological Intervention and Research Laboratory for Mood Spectrum Disorders (the PI), and the Co-Director of the UT Brain Collection. The Research Assistant I will work on studies in several areas. Depending on background and experience, the person will be involved in studies related to the use of psychedelic drugs in mental health, and conducting psychological autopsies. Under the general direction of senior research staff, they will conduct activities to support research projects and exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices.

Candidates with general knowledge of psychopathology and abnormal psychology with specific knowledge of mood disorders plus a good understanding of clinical research designs are encouraged to apply. Experience with clinically relevant and psychosocial interviews (e.g., SCID, YMRS, HAMD, Diamond), and programs such as SPSS, Qualtrics, RedCAP, EXCEL, ENDNOTE would be ideal.

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:

• 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)
• The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!
• Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)
• Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as:

• Free financial and legal counseling
• Free mental health counseling services
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
• Resources for child and elder care
• Plus many more!

Position Summary:

Under close direction of senior research staff, conducts activities to support research projects.

Position Key Accountabilities:

• Under close supervision, conducts research activities according to research protocol. Research activities may include some or all of the following: patient recruiting and screening, setting up and doing both face-to-face and online data collections, traditional laboratory experiments, and data analyses. Processes initial research protocols, continuing reviews of protocols and their amendments as well as other reports.
• May maintain clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
• Collects, evaluates, and interprets research data to provide needed information to principal investigators and other researchers. Updates notebooks, records, and databases as needed. Conducts systematic literature searches and assists with the submission of manuscripts.
• Stays abreast of new and updated protocols for research department.
• Orders laboratory and/or other supplies as directed by senior research staff.
• As needed, may coordinate the work of laboratory technicians and assistants to ensure efficient, timely, and high-quality results.
• Complies with all governmental and University policies, rules, regulations, and codes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

General knowledge of research fields.

Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience in lieu of education.

No years of experience.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds constantly and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.
This position may include work involving potentially hazardous chemical, biological, or radioactive agents.

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215.

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.