#122078 Depression and Anxiety Lab Assistant I

DESCRIPTION

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.

This project at the Neurocognition of Stress and Anxiety Research Laboratory is investigating investigating the neural correlates and effectiveness of a computer-based cognitive training with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The protocol is reward-learning task aimed at boosting reward responsiveness in individuals with depression and/or anxiety. The primary goal is to assess behavioral, cognitive and neural changes occurring with novel computerized training treatment. The project will help identify and characterize the specific cognitive, behavioral, and functional brain changes that affect mental health and can be optimized to enhance functional recovery.

Under close supervision, the lab assistant will assist in the routine tasks associated with data collection and maintenance associated with quality data acquisition in both lab and clinic settings. Primary data duties include assisting with organizing and maintaining test records for subjects including survey data, cognitive data and fMRI data and assisting in preprocessing data for scoring and statistical analyses. Primary study responsibilities include conducting survey based assessments, standardized interviews, fMRI set-up and recording. Other tasks include human subjects recruitment, enrollment and study participation. Duties also include assisting with recruiting through flyers; participant scheduling and progress check-ins, under PI supervision, and assist with study data organization and management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and one year of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in experimental, Biological Psychology, Cognitive Science, Cognitive Neuroscience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Familiarity with behavioral paradigm techniques in a research setting.

• Excellent interpersonal skills needed in interactions with subjects, including appropriate interview techniques, diplomacy and confidentiality.

• Highly self-motivated and reliable, able to solve problems independently and with initiative.

• Organizational, scheduling, and record keeping skills.

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality in accordance with regulatory requirements.

• Experience interacting effectively with co-workers.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

• Experience to assist in organizing and maintaining test records for subjects including survey data, cognitive data and fMRI data.

• Ability to assist in recruiting through flyers and enrolling subjects interested in lab’s studies through partnering clinics and Research Match.

PREFERRED QUALIFICAITONS

• Strong general computer skills, including familiarity with common programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or similar programs.

• Specific experience in scientific presentations and manuscript writing.

• Experience with MRI scanning and structured clinical interviews.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be able to work overtime, evenings, and weekends as needed.

Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health Sciences is comprised of our School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and our Student Health and Well-Being Department. We have long been at the forefront of translational - or "bench-to-bedside" - research, transforming patient care through discovery and innovation leading to new drugs and technologies. Translational research is carried out every day in the hundreds of clinical trials of promising new therapies offered through UC San Diego Health, and in the drive of our researchers and clinician-scientists who are committed to having a significant impact on patient care. We invite you to join our team!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

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UC San Diego Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html

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UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.