Research Assistant - Dept. of Psychiatry

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant - Dept. of Psychiatry at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to
complete laboratory based, clinical or population science research.  May assist in writing research protocols and in manuscript preparation.  Design and perform research protocols independently or as directed through training in more difficult or specialized procedures to meet the needs of the research protocol.

Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research.  Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates.  Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines.  Assist staff with experiments/research protocols as required. Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.

Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data.  Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated. Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.

Assist principal investigator with writing methods and summarizing/organizing data  to be used in preparing and presenting presentations for professional, scientific and academic conferences and submittal to academic and scholarly peer-reviewed journals. 

Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required.  Order and organize required research supplies and records.  Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Assist faculty members who conduct clinical research projects in the WSU Psychiatry department's Substance Abuse Research Division. Duties/responsibilities include: contacting and interviewing patients and research volunteers, obtaining informed consent, compensating volunteers, administering questionnaires and computerized performance tasks, conducting clinical interviews, measuring physiological signs (e.g. HR, BP, oxygen saturation, pupil size, EEG), observing and documenting drug administration, assisting with neuromodulation and neuroimaging procedures, collecting and testing biological specimens (urine, saliva, blood) for toxicology and biomarker testing, ordering equipment and supplies, data entry and management, extracting clinical information from paper and electronic medical records, and other tasks as assigned. Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research. Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates. Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Assist staff with experiments/research protocols as required. Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research. Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated. Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy. Assist principal investigator with writing methods and summarizing/organizing data to be used in preparing and presenting presentations for professional, scientific and academic conferences and submittal to academic and scholarly peer-reviewed journals. Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, preferred. Requires advanced knowledge
predominantly intellectual in character in a field of science or learning acquired by a prolonged
course of specialized intellectual instruction.  

Entry level (less that a year of job-related experience)
Experience performing basic research techniques or interacting with human subjects, preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to work independently.  Ability to analyze, summarize and interpret research findings and
data in reports and spreadsheets and communicate results. Knowledge of scientific integrity
principles. Excellent time management and organization skills.  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment.  Microsoft office software skills.

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field. Experience performing basic research techniques or interacting with human subjects, preferred.

H06 - School of Medicine

H0613 - Psychiatry

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Research

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum:
• Salary hire maximum:

Typical work environment may include a laboratory and/ or office environment. May require working non-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientific conferences.

• Number of openings: 8
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number: 046701

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.