Research Specialist - Child and Adolescent Bipolar Services (CABS)

$37,190 - $58,594/Yr

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time - Entry Level

Pittsburgh, PA

5,001-10,000 employees

Hospitals

About the position

The Research Specialist position within the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Services (CABS) group focuses on conducting research studies aimed at improving the lives of young people with bipolar disorder. The role involves completing diagnostic assessments, data collection, and presenting findings to study investigators. The ideal candidate will have a background in psychiatric clinical experience and mental health research, particularly with adolescents and young adults.

Responsibilities

• Completes formal diagnostic and assessment interviews required at all phases of the study.
• Conducts interviews via video chat, in person, and by telephone.
• Completes all study data collection forms and documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Prepares and presents oral and written summaries of participant assessments to study investigators for diagnostic consensus.
• Assists with recruitment, screening, and scheduling of study participants.
• Sets up, distributes, and retrieves actigraph watches from study participants, and processes actigraphy data.
• Ensures actigraph watches are charged and in working order.
• Instructs and assists participants in downloading a smartphone app for passive sensing.
• Participates in inter-rater reliability procedures to maintain diagnostic consistency.
• Maintains records of subject contact, interviews, self-reports, and payments.
• Communicates effectively with research and clinical staff to facilitate study operations.
• Attends and participates in all project-related meetings and training sessions.
• Completes and maintains required education and certification in Human Subjects Protection and Good Research Practice fundamentals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Sociology or related field is required.
• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology or relevant field preferred.
• Minimum of one year of work experience in a research project and/or related clinical setting is required.
• Experience administering and scoring standard research assessments preferred.
• Clinical assessment experience with children, adolescents, and adults preferred.
• Proficiency in basic computer software packages, including MS Word and email required.
• Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and written/oral communication skills required.
• High degree of motivation and ability to function independently.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to multiple organizational workload changes.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with adolescents and young adults.
• Solid understanding of DSM-5.
• Experience in mental health research.

Benefits

• Full-time position with competitive hourly pay.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and inclusive research team.