Research Specialist

98932BR

Campus: Downtown Phoenix

Research Specialist

Job Description

The Research Specialist will perform essential tasks for multiple funded studies in a dynamic, team-oriented lab under the supervision of the principal investigator. Housed in the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, the lab focuses on psychological, biological, and social factors that influence health and well-being during midlife and aging. Specifically, the lab aims to understand how individuals’ daily experiences of stress relate to the activity and health of their cardiovascular and immune systems throughout aging. The current priority project examines these processes for people who are caring for a parent with dementia.

The Research Specialist’s most important skills and responsibilities will be organizational (creating and following detailed standards of procedure), interpersonal (recruiting and interacting with participants to make them comfortable and confident participating in our scientific studies), and administrative (help manage lab students, format papers for scientific review). Please address these skills in your cover letter, especially as relevant to psychology or behavioral medicine experience.

Specifically, the lab coordinator will help to develop study and lab organizational materials; spearhead and organize participants’ recruitment, eligibility screening, study visits, communication, and compensation; oversee and participate in data processing (e.g., data entry and cleaning); oversee research assistants; and assist in basic analysis and reporting for scientific publications and progress reports.

Job Family

Research & Laboratory

Department Name

Edson Sponsored

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

VP Code

VP/EXEC VICE PROV DPC

Grant Funded Position

This is a grant funded position. Continuation is contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range

$42,000 - $50,000 per year; DOE

Close Date

26-February-2024

Essential Duties

• May supervise, monitor of coordinate work of subordinates.
• Performs skilled procedures, tests and analyses requiring the delicate manipulation and/or fine adjustments to equipment in response to activity of the sample or specimen being used.
• Analyzes data and writes research progress reports including summarizing test results of participating investigators and assists in the preparation and writing of papers for publication; assists in writing reports on one or more aspects for large archaeological projects.
• Performs administrative functions such as assisting in projecting budgets and procuring laboratory space, supplies and equipment.
• Coordinates and/or conducts library and computer searches for research or archaeological data, some of which may include specialized archival research; modifies, adapts or varies standard procedures to meet the needs of the project and improves tests that are unsatisfactory.
• Assists in the design and implementation of statistical techniques and computer data systems including establishing coding formats for future scientific research data collection.
• Assists in judging the validity of data obtained from experimental procedures and recommends additional tests and/or modifications.
• Generates computerized statistical data for analytical purposes using a variety of scientific software packages; interprets data for research or archaeological projects.
• Creates and manages databases for studies which includes setting up database and associated data entry programs and retrieving data from database for purposes of analyses or data review.
• Designs and modifies questionnaires or other data collection or sampling instruments or data summarization methods, procedures or reporting formats.
• Operates and maintains laboratory and experimental equipment such as microtomes, microscopes, electron microscopes, spectrophotometers, centrifuges, analytical balances, photometers, spectrometers and vacuum and optical coating systems; performs repairs and makes arrangements for repairs to be performed; assists in the design and fabrication of research equipment.
• Performs complex necropsies and surgical procedures on research animals.
• Assists in the development of written operating procedures and performs quality control checks to ensure procedures are followed.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment AND two years related research experience; OR, Six years research experience appropriate to the area of assignment; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in a psychology, behavioral medicine, or related research lab is strongly preferred. Experience as part of a student school experience is acceptable. Please elaborate on relevant experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of how a behavioral medicine research lab runs is preferred.
• Ability to apply scientific reasoning for decision-making is strongly preferred.
• Willingness to engage with community members to recruit participants in research studies is required.
• Experience in participant recruitment and community engagement is preferred.
• Evidence of effective interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies.
• Experience in Word and Outlook are required; willingness to learn new software (e.g., REDCap, Metricwire, and statistical software such as R or SAS) is required; use of database and statistical software (e.g., Excel, SPSS or equivalent, Access) is preferred; knowledge of database management is preferred.
• Experience in using problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions.
• Experience in using organizational, planning, and time management skills.

Working Environment

• Ability to lift and transport up to 25 pounds
• Work in a lab setting
• Work in a school or community setting
• Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts
• Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work
• Use lab equipment: heart rate monitors and electrodes (with training), iPads/smartphones, blood pressure cuffs (with training)
• Use an ASU or personal vehicle to travel to different campuses
• Use basic math and a calculator
• Use office equipment including a desktop computer.
• Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse
• Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential duties
• Use critical thinking to make decisions and/or analyze and report data/results of tests conducted
• Conduct lab tests using appropriate equipment and protocols
• Handle petty cash
• Initiate confidential correspondence on behalf of the project
• Conduct interviews over the phone or in person
• Schedule appointments and maintain calendar for project
• Supervise staff and/or students
• Works under supervision
• Work from general instructions on standard job duties and specific directions/instructions on new assignments
• Work both independently and within a complex structured team.
• Able to exercise judgment within generally defined practices and policies to determine appropriate action

Department Statement

The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation is distinguished as a model for excellence and inspiration in nursing and interprofessional practice, education and research to advance knowledge and innovative practice models, and new solutions to optimize the health and well-being of our diverse local, national and global communities.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Fingerprint Check Statement

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.