Research Assistant, Fractional Time – Institute for Brain Health

Research Assistant, Fractional Time – Institute for Brain
Health

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research
Assistant, Fractional Time – Institute for Brain Health 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.

Position Purpose:

The Research Assistant supports the Principal Investigator and
Laboratory Manager in the coordination and implementation of the
Brains, Experiences, and Mental Health (BEAM) study within the
Ruvvy Resilience Lab. The position supports participant
recruitment, screening, scheduling, consenting, study visits, data
quality activities, and research procedures involving youth
participants and their caregivers. The Research Assistant also
leads Community Advisory Board activities, contributes to community
engagement and public dissemination efforts, and supports the
development of research products and independent research
activities. The position may provide similar research support for
other laboratory studies as needed.

Essential Functions :

Conducts Research Visits and Supports Data Collection:

Conducts research visits with youth participants and their
caregivers in accordance with approved study protocols. Administers
interviews, questionnaires, and other research procedures; assists
with brain imaging activities; monitors participant needs during
study visits; and performs basic data review and quality assurance
to support the accuracy and completeness of study data.

Supports Research Dissemination and Scholarly
Activities:

Contributes to the development of scientific research products,
including peer-reviewed manuscripts, research posters,
presentations, abstracts, and other materials used to communicate
study findings to academic and professional audiences.

Participates in Laboratory and Research Meetings:

Participates in weekly laboratory meetings and regular meetings
with the Principal Investigator and Laboratory Manager to discuss
research activities, participant recruitment and enrollment, study
progress, emerging issues, and assigned projects.

Leads Community Advisory Board Activities:

Coordinates and facilitates Community Advisory Board activities,
including scheduling meetings, communicating with members,
preparing for, and leading meetings, documenting discussions, and
distributing meeting recaps and follow-up information.

Conducts Participant Recruitment and Screening:

Supports recruitment of potential study participants through
telephone, email, flyers, social media, and other approved outreach
methods. Conducts preliminary participant screening and
communicates study information to prospective participants and
their families in accordance with established research
protocols.

Coordinates Study Scheduling and Participant
Logistics:

Coordinates study visits with participants, families, research
staff, and the Magnetic Resonance Research Facility (MRRF). Manages
scheduling communications and assists with participant preparation
and logistical coordination to support the timely completion of
study activities.

Supports Community Engagement and Public
Dissemination:

Supports community engagement and public dissemination of research
through local events, outreach activities, social media campaigns,
video production and editing, content development, and other
activities designed to communicate research findings and promote
community awareness and participation.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

Unique Duties:

Physical Requirements :

The position requires the ability to communicate effectively in
person, by telephone, and electronically;

Remain seated or standing for extended periods;

Operate standard office and research equipment; and move throughout
office, laboratory, clinical/research, and community
environments.

The position may require occasional movement or transportation of
light materials and equipment associated with research and
community engagement activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education : Bachelor’s degree

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in
psychology, neuroscience, or a related field.

Experience : Intermediate (3 to 4 years’ job-related
experience).

Three to four years of job-related experience, preferably in a
human subject, clinical, or behavioral research laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Knowledge of human subjects research practices and research
procedures involving study participants.

Experience administering questionnaires, interviews, assessments,
or other research procedures to study participants or clinical
populations.

Familiarity with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research
procedures is preferred.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the
ability to communicate effectively with research participants,
children, families, research staff, and community members through
telephone, email, text messaging, and in-person interactions.

Strong organizational, interpersonal, scheduling, and time
management skills.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
with children, adolescents, families, research participants,
community members, and research professionals.

Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively
within a collaborative research environment.

Ability to maintain accurate records and follow established
research protocols and procedures.

Ability to handle sensitive participant information appropriately
and maintain confidentiality.

Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and
contribute to community-facing research dissemination
activities.

Ability to speak, read, and write a second language is
preferred.

School/College/Division:

The Division of Research & Innovation

Primary Department:

H0905 - VP Research

Employment Type:

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

Funding/Salary Information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Annual Salary: To be determined

Working Conditions:

Normal office and research laboratory environment.

The position requires regular interaction with youth participants,
caregivers, research staff, and community members.

Work may involve participation in community events and activities
outside the laboratory.

Availability during morning hours (approximately 8:00 a.m. to 11:00
a.m.), weekday evenings, and weekends is required to accommodate
participant schedules, research visits, community engagement
activities, and study operations.

Job Openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No

Background check requirements:

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.