The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR) seeks to hire one HBCD Research Assistant (8352P1: Research Professional 1) responsible for executing all tasks associated with the HBCD (Healthy Brain and Child Development: https://heal.nih.gov/research/infants-and-children/healthy-brain) Study protocol. The HBCD Study is recruiting people during pregnancy and following their infants through the first five years of their lives. HBCD Study protocol tasks include recruitment and retention, scheduling study assessments, and conducting parent interview/questionnaire assessments designed to assess eligibility criteria, substance use, psychopathology, medical health, and psychosocial functioning; parent interview/questionnaire, neurocognitive, and observational assessments designed to assess infant/child development, temperament, and psychopathology; parent interview/questionnaire and parent/infant/child biospecimens (e.g., blood, saliva, nails, urine) designed to assess medical health and environmental exposures; and collecting infant/child MRI and EEG data. In addition to these responsibilities, the HBCD Research Assistant will review data to assure quality, will provide the HBCD Site Coordinator with regular reports, and will transfer data to the HBCD Data Informatics Center. The HBCD Research Assistant will work closely with HBCD parent/infant/child participants assessing infant/child development and complex psychological traits so required qualifications include: a bachelorâ™s degree in Psychology, Human Development, Cognitive or Affective Neuroscience, or a related field; a flexible work schedule (including evenings and weekends, with an expected 3 nights per week conducting MRI assessments); and the ability to work onsite at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB), Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), Institute of Child Development, and Elliott Hall. Preferred qualifications include: HBCD or MCTFR research experience; experience working with infants and/or young children in a research context; prior research experience; excellent attention to detail, organizational, interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities:

(30%) Assess research participants: 

• Through familiarity with the entire HBCD Study protocol, HBCD Research Assistant conducts study assessments with parent and infants/children, at MIDB/CMRR, participant homes, or elsewhere;
• Completes in-person, phone, and remote video conference assessments;
• Conducts interviews and questionnaires in-person, via phone, and via remote video conference; 
• Conducts neurocognitive assessments;
• Understands emergency procedures and responds to clinical alerts.

(30%) Assist with collecting neurohealth data from research participants: 

• HBCD Research Assistant collects neurohealth data from parents and infants/children;
• Collects biospecimens (blood, saliva, nails, urine, other possible biospecimens; assists in collection of blood draws) as required by HBCD protocol;
• Assists with collecting MRI data with infants/children, including acting as second-chair at MIDB/CMRR during MRI protocol alongside a trained scanner operator; 
• Helps infants fall asleep for their MRI scan, remains with infant during the scan
• Assists with collecting EEG data with infants/children;
• Executes E-Prime tasks;
   

(25%) Act as a research representative of the HBCD Study: 

• HBCD Research Assistant contacts study participants; describes study goals, assessment tasks, confidentiality limitations and potential risks; plus schedules assessment appointments;
• Greets study participants;
• Describes study procedures thoroughly;
• Obtains informed consent; 
• Answers participant questions and conducts a family de-briefing at the end of the visit;
• Maintains required recruitment and assessment documentation;

(10%) Schedule research participants: 

• HBCD Research Assistant schedules participant assessment appointments;
• Uses Google and MIDB/CMRR calendars for scheduling;
• Reminds participants of their upcoming assessment appointments.
   

(5%) Carry out independent tasks:

• Reviews study assessments post-visit to assure completeness and readiness for data entry and HBCD Informatics/Coordinating Center review;
• Participates in team meetings and teleconference calls;
• Assists with HBCD data management and other miscellaneous projects.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Psychology, Human Development, Cognitive or Affective Neuroscience, or a related field, and/or an equivalent combination of research experience totaling at least 4 years.
• Ability to work on-site at the University of Minnesota and evenings/weekends as needed to accommodate a flexible work schedule.
• Prior experience working in a research context

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Prior research experience with infants and/or young children, interviewing research participants, conducting clinical interviews, or collecting biospecimens.
• Prior experience collecting MRI and/or EEG data.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Problem-solving skills and attention to detail to work independently and assure accuracy.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

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