Research Assistant Position @ University of Minnesota, Twin Cities MN
Dr. Glenn I. Roisman of the Institute of Child Development and Dr. Bob Krueger of the Department of Psychology, Principal Investigators on two coordinated five-year NIH-funded grants to follow-up the large Sibling Interaction and Behavior Study (SIBS) and the Minnesota Twin Registry (MTR) cohorts into mid and late life, seek to hire several Research Assistants (8352SM: Rsch Pro 2-Soc Sci-Multidisc) responsible for carrying out field studies by interviewing study adult participants remotely via Zoom/phone (additional assessments will be conducted in person for the SIBS cohort). Structured research assessments conducted remotely by the Research Assistants with adoptees and their parents (SIBS) and older twins (MTR) will include: a 1.5 hour-long interview with the participants about their childhood experiences, questionnaire and interview assessments of participants’ physical health, personality, and social experiences, and standardized measures of cognitive health. The Research Assistants will review data to assure quality and prepare data for analysis. They will work closely with the MTR and SIBS research participants, the MTR/SIBS co-investigators, and the MTR/SIBS project coordinator and lead recruiter who helps schedule visits, so a bachelor degree is required and research experience, knowledge, and skills plus outstanding communication and problem-solving skills are preferred.
Responsibilities:
Data Collection: Research Participant Interviewing (60%)
- Conduct formal 4.5-hour (on average) research assessments with participants remotely via Zoom/phone, including an 1.5 hour-long interview to collect data with the study participants about their childhood experiences, questionnaire assessments of participants’ physical health, personality, and social experiences, and administer standardized measures of cognitive health, plus other psychological assessment instruments.
- Prepare and run samples on various instruments and clean equipment.
- Replenish supplies as needed.
- Greet study participants and then describe study goals, assessment tasks, confidentiality limitations and potential risks.
- Obtain informed consent from participants.
- Accurately answer participant questions and conduct a debriefing at the end of the visit.
- Maintain required assessment documentation.
- Accommodate occasional requests to complete assessments in a different setting (e.g., at the University or at the participant’s home).
Participant Recruiting (30%)
- Schedule, update, and cancel appointments with participant in the research study using independent judgement.
- Directly correspond with participants by sending email and regular mail as necessary, including sending attachments with information regarding appointment and directions.
Quality Control Review Participation (10%)
- Meet in person with Principal Investigators, Co-Investigator, Project Coordinator, and Lead Recruiter to evaluate interview validity and reliability and implement feedback as required by MCTFR quality standards.
- Ensure that components of the project are completed in an ethically, scientifically, rigorous and timely manner.
Qualifications
Required
- BA/BS in psychology or child psychology and at least two (2) years of professional experience; or a combination of related education and experience equal to six (6) years.
- Experience working in a laboratory setting involving such work as participant recruitment, telephone screening, obtaining informed consent, or similar
- Must be able to work on some evenings and weekends with the ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule.
- Must be available in person for meetings and training at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus
- Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.
Preferred
- Prior research experience conducting structured clinical interviews and/or neuropsychological tests. Note that extensive training will be provided in all assessments, even if applicants have prior experience.
- Availability over the next two years.
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
- Problem-solving skills and attention to detail to work independently and ensure accuracy.
Type
- Paid job
Timeframe
- Post-graduation