Research Study Coordinator - Hybrid - 135249

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.

The UC San Diego site is one of 10 U.S. sites in the Breakthrough Discoveries for thriving with Bipolar Disorder (BD2) Integrated Network which aims to study participants with bipolar disorder over time using identical methods at each site and contribute the gathered data to a central Learning Health Network that will benefit patients in the study through quality improvements to their clinical care.

Under supervision, the incumbent will work as a Research Study Coordinator working with individuals who have bipolar disorder on a longitudinal cohort study within the Department of Psychiatry. Duties and responsibilities include coordinating the local establishment of Integrated Network protocols, maintaining training on assessment tools and conducting these clinical and neuropsychological assessments, overseeing recruitment into the study from UC San Diego Health clinics and the community, coordination with the data management team, ensuring data quality prior to contribution to the central Data Coordinating Center, preparation and maintenance of regulatory documents, assistance with any local add-on investigations, and local data analysis. The individual will also be responsible for scheduling and tracking participants over time and ensuring subject payment, playing a key role in efforts to retain study participants over the course of the longitudinal study. Incumbent will also coordinate the collection of biological specimens by staff at the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute (ACTRI), including making sure that the required protocols are established and scheduling participants for blood draws, and ensuring secure shipping of these samples to the central repository. The incumbent will also be responsible for working with the staff at the Keck Center for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CFMRI) to establish the required scanning protocols, piloting those protocols and the transfer of data to the central data repository, scheduling the MRI scans, operating the scanner and setting up the participant in the scanner to ensure high-quality imaging data. Responsible for maintaining and initializing any equipment used in the study, including cell phones and actigraphy watches and cognitive testing equipment; interface with technical personnel to ensure that these devices are operating correctly and to coordinate the analysis and confidential transfer of results into the study database. Responsible for compiling reports on study progress and will work closely with the central data coordinating center to ensure accurate records. Manage lab operations, including purchasing, inventory, and communication with building management and IT support staff. Responsible for organizing and setting the agenda for regular study team meetings, maintaining open communication among all study staff, and liaising with the Clinical Coordinating Center. Assist with other project and miscellaneous duties as required.

• Theoretical knowledge in psychology or related field. Background and experience in the general field of psychology and mental illness.

• Current MRI Safety Certification and working knowledge of MRI safety.

• Demonstrated experience working with mentally ill individuals, including those demonstrating psychotic and mood symptoms. Ability to demonstrate good clinical judgment.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with magnetic resonance imaging data collection.

• Proven ability to research, design, and implement original, more effective strategies for conducting the day-to-day work of the laboratory. Ability to modify, vary, adapt, or improve upon standard procedures to meet the needs of the research projects.

• Demonstrated ability to identify solutions, and with PI's supervision, recommend and implement solutions.

• Proven ability to work in fast paced environment with multiple demands.

• Good written and oral communication skills with an ability to communicate information to a broad variety of people both in person and on the phone.

• Keen behavioral observation skills.

• Demonstrated knowledge of psychological testing and structured interview techniques.

• Proven ability to work independently, use own judgment and decision-making skills with little supervision.

• Strong demonstrated ability to maintain patient confidentiality.

• Strong demonstrated experience in the administration of neuropsychological tests and clinical rating scales.

• Proven ability to elicit maximum performance of neuropsychological tests and clinical rating scales.

• Demonstrated experience in retaining subjects over the course of a research study through outreach.

• Demonstrated experience in human subject recruitment and screening.

• Demonstrated experience with data management methods and standard operating procedures for entering and maintaining data.

• Proven ability with installation and operation of mobile assessment apps and wrist-worn actigraphy.

• Demonstrated experience with coordination of storage, shipping, and record-keeping for biological specimens.

• Demonstrated knowledge of IRB Standard Operating Policies and Procedures.

• Demonstrated experience with computers. Proven ability to run software.

• Proven ability to prepare and present study materials and results for reports and scientific meetings.

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills on statistical analysis.

• Demonstrated ability to manage purchasing and inventory for a research laboratory.

• Master's Degree in psychology or related field.

• Record keeping and file management skills. Extremely detail oriented and conscientious, with legible handwriting and good spelling skills.

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

• Must be willing to work directly with mentally ill and/or psychotic individuals.

• Ability to safely work near a strong magnetic field.

• Must be willing to work occasional overtime, weekends and have a flexible schedule.