Research Assistant (Research Professional 1)

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 46,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Tuition benefits

Holidays and time off

Retirement plans

PSLF eligible

Job summary

The University of Minnesota's Demro and Schallmo labs invite applications for a full-time Research Assistant (Research Professional 1) to support data collection with study participants in NEURO-COGS research. Primary duties include MRI scanning, EEG recording, participant screening, consent, and coordinating scheduling.

Responsibilities also cover data quality control, regulatory support, and involvement in grant management and dissemination.

Qualifications

• BA or BS degree or equivalent education/experience (4+ years).
• Experience in clinical research or hospital-based studies is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Screening and enrollment of participants and obtaining informed consent.
• Coordinate scheduling of MRI scanner time and testing spaces.
• Administer clinical research measures and cognitive tasks.
• Collect EEG and MRI data and ensure data quality control.
• Support regulatory management and IRB documentation.
• Assist with participant reimbursement and study meetings.
• Contribute to data analysis, manuscript preparation, and posters.

Skills

Data collection

Clinical research

Interpersonal skills

Team coordination

Education

BA or BS degree

Tools

MRI scanning

EEG recording

Job description

Research Assistant (Research Professional 1)

The Demro and Schallmo labs at the University of Minnesota are seeking to hire a full-time Research Assistant (Research Professional 1) responsible for data collection with study participants. The position would start immediately and involves supporting a new research study in adults with and without schizophrenia (NEUROmetabolic mechanisms of COGnitive training in Schizophrenia; NEURO-COGS). The study focuses on assessing brain metabolism and Excitation:Inhibition balance, which are dysregulated in schizophrenia, contribute to cognitive and visual impairments, and may normalize in response to cognitive training intervention. Primary data collection assessments include MRI scanning and EEG recording. Other data collection tasks include supporting DSM structured clinical interviews and symptom assessments, neuropsychological, personality, intelligence and other related assessments. Training on these tasks will be provided, as needed. This position will involve in-person data collection at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research at UMN. Research study visits will be scheduled primarily on weekdays, with possibility for evenings and weekends. The Research Assistant will review data to assure quality and may prepare data for analysis and publication. This position will also involve screening and recruiting participants, obtaining informed consent, and supporting regulatory and grant management, as needed. Person will work closely with the research participants and study team members.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• 70% Data collection responsibilities:
• Screening and enrollment of research participants, including assessing eligibility based on study inclusion / exclusion criteria (including over the phone), assessing capacity to provide informed consent, describing the study protocol and experience for participants, and obtaining written informed consent from research participants.
• Coordinate scheduling with participants and study staff, as well as reserving scheduled equipment / facilities (e.g., MRI scanner time, laboratory testing space).
• Administering clinical research measures (e.g., interviews, questionnaires, symptom assessments)
• Administering computer based visual and cognitive tasks to collect data in the form of behavioral responses (i.e., button presses)
• Collecting electroencephalography (EEG) and MRI scanning data. This will involve working with research participants and other study staff to prepare participants for scanning (e.g., preparation of EEG cap and electrodes, safety screening for MRI).
• Promptly communicate critical observations to study team leads, as required by safety protocols.
• Assist with participant reimbursement.
• Conduct research in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Analyses will include data processing, data quality control, statistical analyses, and data visualization.
• Other tasks as assigned.
• 20% Research administration responsibilities:
• Participate in and prepare updates for regular study team meetings.
• Collaborate with PI and other study staff on regulatory management: Preparing and managing IRB modifications, preparing documentation for monitoring visits, maintaining regulatory binder documents (e.g., protocol training log, delegation of authority log), tabulating study enrollment data.
• Other tasks as assigned.
• (10%) Data quality control responsibilities:
• Assist with quality control protocols on data collection and management.
• Assist with basic maintenance tasks related to general lab functioning.
• Other tasks as assigned.
• Other related duties may also include assisting PI with preparations of grant applications / conference presentations, contributing to manuscripts, developing poster presentations, or similar tasks, depending on applicant interest and experience.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BA or BS degree, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least 4 years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with patients in a clinical and / or research setting
• Previous experience in the fields of mental health, brain imaging, vision, and / or cognition
• Previous experience in scientific research, data collection and analysis
• Strong interpersonal skills, technical skills, problem-solving skills, and organizational skills
• Be able to work independently and to coordinate efforts as part of a team initiative

About the Department

The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences consists of an outstanding team of researchers, clinicians, and educators who provide world-class expertise in psychiatric illness, treatment, scholarship, and scientific discovery.

Our mission is to:

• Create and disseminate new knowledge in the science of mental health
• Provide effective and innovative clinical care programs to alleviate the suffering of mental illness and promote mental resilience
• Train the next generation of interprofessional experts who will be leaders in Minnesota and beyond
• Engage in compassionate and vigorous outreach and advocacy on issues relevant to psychiatric illness, treatment, and research

You can find more information on our website at https://med.umn.edu/psychiatry .

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: The Salary Range is $46,000 - $52,000/year , depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.