Research Associate I

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin's Dell Medical School is seeking a Research Associate I in the Department of Psychiatry. This exempt, full-time role supports coordinating interventional trials and multi-site studies, ensuring protocol fidelity, participant safety, and regulatory compliance.

The position entails screening, consent, study visits, data management, and collaboration with clinical researchers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, neuroscience, engineering, computer science, or another STEM-related field with relevant research experience.
• Master’s degree preferred for advanced roles and/or MRI/EEG experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate complex interventional trials and multi-site studies under PI leadership.
• Screen and consent participants; plan and conduct study visits.
• Manage regulatory compliance, AE/SAE reporting, and IRB submissions/continuations.
• Analyze data and prepare reports, publications, and presentations.
• Maintain lab equipment and safety protocols; ensure quality data and audit readiness.

Skills

Confidentiality

Organization

Data interpretation

Record-keeping

Communication

Lab equipment

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM field

Master’s Degree preferred

Job description

GENERAL NOTES

Dell Medical School is seeking a Research Associate I

Job Posting Title

Research Associate I

Hiring Department

Department of Psychiatry

Position Open To

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours

40

FLSA Status

Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date

Sep 21, 2026

Position Duration

Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2027

Location

UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Details

GENERAL NOTES

Dell Medical School is seeking a Research Associate I

This is a state-funded position with an end date of 8/31/2027 that is renewable for another year.

Job Summary

The Senior Clinical Research Coordinator (Senior CRC) independently coordinates complex interventional trials and multi‑site studies under a Principal Investigator (PI) and/or Research Operations leader, ensuring protocol fidelity, participant safety, regulatory compliance (ICH‑GCP; FDA 21 CFR 50/56), HIPAA adherence, high‑quality data, and monitoring/audit readiness. The Senior CRC leads screening and informed consent; plans and conducts study visits; manages investigational product and specimen workflows; performs AE/SAE reporting; and maintains IRB submissions, continuing reviews, and amendments. Senior CRCs also mentor junior coordinators and contribute to feasibility, budgets, and enrollment strategies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Conduct Research Experiments
• Perform laboratory experiments under the guidance of senior researchers.
• Collect and analyze data through clinical interviews, behavioral measures, and other techniques.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures and results.
• Data Analysis
• Analyze research data using statistical software and tools.
• Interpret results and prepare reports for review by senior researchers.
• Assist in the preparation of research publications and presentations.
• Assist with manuscripts and publications by drafting sections, reviewing content, and ensuring adherence to publication guidelines.
• Laboratory Maintenance
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment.
• Ensure the laboratory is clean, organized, and stocked with necessary supplies.
• Follow safety protocols and procedures.
• Collaboration and Communication
• Work closely with other research staff to coordinate experiments and share findings.
• Participate in team meetings and provide updates on research progress.
• Communicate effectively with external collaborators and stakeholders.
• Protocol Development
• Assist in the development and optimization of research protocols.
• Review and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) as needed.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical guidelines.
• Assist with IRB submission and management by preparing necessary documentation, coordinating with IRB representatives, and ensuring timely submission and approval.

Other duties as identified by department

MARGINAL OR PERIODIC FUNCTIONS

Literature Review

• Conduct literature reviews to support ongoing research projects.
• Summarize findings and present them to the research team.

Training and Mentorship

• Provide training and guidance to new research staff and interns.
• Assist in the onboarding process for new team members.

Grant Writing Support

• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications.
• Provide data and information to support grant submissions.
• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Addressing individuals and health-related information with a high degree of sensitivity and confidentiality in various delicate, formal or urgent situations.
• Outstanding organizational and time-management skills.
• Interpreting experimental results, identifying trends in data, troubleshooting experimental issues.
• Meticulous in maintaining accurate records and ensuring the precision of experiments.
• Effective in conveying research findings and collaborating with team members.
• Proficient in using laboratory equipment and scientific software.
• Coordinating experiments with colleagues, participating in team discussions, supporting team goals.

Education & Experience

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social work, neuroscience, engineering, computer science, or another STEM-related field with relevant research experience.

• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

According to Executive Order No. GA-48 of the State of Texas: for all positions that research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), Business and Commerce Code, it is required that both candidates for employment and employees have the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in with at least 2 year(s) of research experience actively working in data collection in a psychology, psychiatry, social work, counseling, or human subjects biomedical research laboratory .
• Previous experience with MRI and/or electroencephalogram acquisition or analysis
• Previous experience in standardized behavioral/neuropsychological assessments and clinical research

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• None.

PREFERRED

• Certification as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or similar certification.

SALARY RANGE

$43,733+ depending on qualifications

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT

• Standard office equipment
• Repetitive use of a keyboard

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), we require all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.