The UCSD Department of Psychiatry is one of the most innovative and productive academic departments in the country, offering challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of advanced educational programs, cutting-edge research, and state-of-the-art clinical services. The department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

Under supervision, the incumbent will serve as a Research Associate for neuroimaging studies of eating disorders in adolescents and adults within the Department of Psychiatry to support neurocognitive research efforts aimed at improving the understanding of eating disorders and treatment. Duties will include: general study assistance which includes recruiting research subjects; screening for subject eligibility; coordinating subject appointments with facilities and staff; training of research interns; and data collection. Data collection includes administering diagnostic interviews, questionnaires, behavioral assessments, neurocognitive measures, and acquisition of comprehensive fMRI datasets from eating disorder research participants and controls under guidance. Duties also include maintenance of accurate and complete clinical research files; maintenance of study databases in Excel, Access and locally-developed software programs; ensuring compliance with study protocol; and assisting with grant and IRB progress reporting. The incumbent will perform general lab assistance as needed.

• Theoretical knowledge of psychiatry, psychology, or related field as acquired with Bachelor's degree in psychology or social sciences, and previous research experience in the related field.

• Proficiency in using database software including Microsoft Office (Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint).

• Demonstrated experience performing research duties in a clinical research environment. Demonstrated experience with following a research protocol in order to screen research participants for eligibility, initiate study procedures, and collect data.

• Experience with collecting sensitive information and communicating effectively with a diverse clinical population while maintaining confidentiality. Experience with mandated reporting procedures.

• Experience administering computerized and paper assessments and self-report questionnaires.

• Working knowledge of DSM 5 criteria.

• Proven ability to work with research team including preparing and responding to data queries.

• Experience administering detailed clinical interviews and assessing demographic information and mental health history.

• Understanding of IRB and NIH annual and unexpected reporting including enrollment, withdrawals, adverse events, and protocol deviations.

• Proven ability to work with minimal direction and work collaboratively with the research team and investigators.

• Excellent planning and organizational skills and ability to work in a changing, multiple-demand setting in order to prioritize a large volume of work and meet deadlines efficiently and accurately.

• Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communications skills to communicate clearly, effectively, tactfully, sensitively, and patiently in-person, on the phone and in writing to a diverse population; including participants, faculty, and staff, including the ability to administer face-to-face and telephone interviews and keep accurate and detailed records.

• Ability to maintain current fMRI Safety Training and Operator Certification through UCSD Keck Center for functional MRI.

• Experience with research participants or patients with eating disorders.

• Working knowledge of functional neuroimaging research methods of research participants that includes running the UCSD 3T MR scanners and experimental paradigms developed in the laboratory.

• Experience administering neurocognitive assessments.

• Knowledge of fMRI procedures and fMRI safety. Experience screening fMRI subjects for fMRI contraindications.

• Experience with Linux based programs including AFNI and FSL for neuroimaging data preliminary processing. Working knowledge of Qualtrics and E-Prime.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

• Must be able to work various hours and weekends based on business needs.

• Must maintain current MRI Safety Training and Certification through UCSD Keck Center for functional MRI.

• Must be willing and able to travel.

• Must have access to reliable transportation.