Research Associate II ("Study Interviewer/Rater")

Rutgers University - New Brunswick, NJ

Full-time - Mid Level

New Brunswick, NJ

Educational Services

About the position

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Research Associate II for the department of Psychiatry at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. This position is integral to the Center for Psychiatric Health & Genomics (CPHG), where the Study Rater will conduct representative studies involving individuals with psychiatric illnesses as well as those without mental health diagnoses. The role emphasizes the recruitment and enrollment of participants from diverse ethnic communities, particularly focusing on minorities who are under-represented in research, such as individuals of Latinx and African ancestry. The Research Associate will be responsible for administering screening and clinical diagnostic instruments and surveys, ensuring that the research protocols are followed meticulously. The Study Rater will perform semi-structured diagnostic interviews relevant to ongoing investigatory activities, either independently or as assigned. This includes administering study consent, diagnostic instruments, providing compensation to participants, and accurately recording all data in the study database. The role also encompasses administrative duties related to participant management, ensuring compliance with research protocols. In addition to these responsibilities, the Research Associate will actively participate in community engagement and recruitment activities, both on-site and off-site. This will involve developing and maintaining networking relationships within the Rutgers University health catchment areas. The position requires designing recruitment activities that maximize access to potential participants, which may necessitate irregular work hours, including evenings and weekends, as well as off-site travel. The Research Associate will also assist in implementing programs and projects of special interest to CPHG, including participation in pilot studies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct semi-structured diagnostic interviews relevant to ongoing investigatory activities of the CPHG, independently or as assigned.
• Follow research protocols including administering study consent, study diagnostic instruments, providing compensation to participants, and recording all data in the study database.
• Maintain, file, and perform other administrative duties for participants enrolled, consistent with research protocols.
• Participate in and lead both on-site and off-site community engagement and study recruitment activities.
• Develop and maintain networking and community relationships in the Rutgers University health catchment areas.
• Design recruitment activities to maximize access to potential participants, which may involve irregular work scheduling to match community needs and availability.
• Assist in the implementation of programs and projects in special areas of interest to CPHG and the department, including development of and participation in pilot studies.

Requirements

• Masters or Doctoral degree in clinical mental health (e.g. social work, psychology, psychiatry, mental health counseling).
• Minimum three (3) years of related professional research experience.
• Demonstrated organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Access to personal transportation to conduct field activities.

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual+ English/Spanish.
• Experience in the diverse ethnic communities in New Jersey.
• Pre-existing community relationships in the Rutgers University health catchment area.
• Ties with groups who face additional barriers accessing healthcare and social services.
• Phlebotomy certification, or willingness to take phlebotomy training course.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit program including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.