Friday, April 6, 2012

RA Position

Deadline: May 15, 2012 at 5:00pm


TA 25-50% Position, Summer 2012 (The position has the availability of the student being reappointed each quarter for two (2) years pending funding and job performance.)

The primary tasks of the research assistant will be to coordinate and perform work in support of clinical, biomedical, and/or behavioral sciences research studies involving human subjects. Under general supervision, perform varied support functions requiring knowledge and skills specific to the research study. Inform clients, participants and/or members of the public about the study. Explain study parameters and obtain informed consent. Screen subjects and conduct interviews according to established protocol. Gather and compile data. Assist in developing and setting up database files and performing statistical calculations.

Roles and Responsibilities of the TA include:
  • Perform research activities with mother-infant pairs in home and behavioral laboratory setting.
  • Serve as primary contact with study participants. Explain purpose of research study and protocols.
  • Engage in subject recruitment activities including phone contact and arranging home visit to initiate study.
  • Screen prospective participants to determine eligibility according to research protocol entrance criteria.
  • Conduct home visits to perform data collection including administration of surveys, interviews, activity monitoring, videotaping, and salivary sampling.
  • Monitor/ maintain schedule for longitudinal study visits and assist laboratory behavioral testing of infant subjects.
  • Perform behavioral coding of mother and infant videotapes.
  • Instruct parent subject in use of daily diary, Actiwatch, and salivary sample collection.
  • Assist in collection of salivary samples from mother and infant and prepare for laboratory processing.
  • Travel to subject homes for data collection using personal automobile and maintain travel log for reimbursement of mileage and travel costs.
  • Document subject payment.
  • Assist in preparation of materials for the Human Subject Review Board.
  • Maintain confidentiality of subject records.
  • Assist in recording behavior of subjects using video-tape equipment.
  • Gather, record, organize, transcribe and verify the accuracy of research study data. Prepare data for computer input. Analyze computer printouts and set up research database files.
  • Assist in mathematical and statistical calculations and/or analysis and in modifying data collection forms.
  • Perform literature review and library work and survey/summarize relevant literature.
  • Answer participants' questions regarding study protocol.
  • Notify appropriate research personnel regarding problems or complications reported by subjects.
  • Review and explain consent forms, questionnaires, and surveys with prospective subjects.
  • Inventory and order supplies.
  • Assist in the orientation of new participants and recruit/supervise undergraduate and graduate student volunteers.
  • Attend project meetings and perform related duties as required.
Qualifications:
  • Basic WORD and EXCEL skills required. SPSS skills desirable.
  • Be proficient in use of Actiwatch activity monitor and analysis of activity record using Actiware (training provided).

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