Job Description

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, or an equivalent combination of education and/or relevant research experience totaling at least four (4) years.
• Prior experience working in a research context or conducting clinical interviews
• Able to work evenings and weekends (3-4 evenings per week and 4 weekend days per month) with the ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule.
• Excellent verbal communication skills - must be comfortable speaking on the phone during recruitment and assessment calls.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with minoritized/underrepresented populations
• 1-2 years experience conducting structured clinical interviews and neuropsychological tests with research participants
• Familiarity with psychiatric diagnostic systems.
• Problem-solving skills and attention to detail to work independently and assure accuracy.

Position Description
The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR) seeks to hire a Research Assistant (8351SM: Research Professional 1 - Social Sciences Multidiscipline) responsible for recruitment and assessment of study participants in a project examining the long-term impact of Recreational Cannabis Legalization. Assessments include clinical interviews, neuropsychological and personality-related testing. Research Assistants also are responsible for reviewing data to assure quality. This role will work closely with MCTFR research participants and MCTFR co-investigators, so a successful candidate will have research experience plus outstanding communication and problem-solving skills. This role requires some onsite work at Elliott Hall, and flexible scheduling, including remote work on some evenings and weekends.

Applications with cover letters addressing an individual's match to the qualifications will be prioritized.

The Research Assistant is appointed by the MCTFR Director and reports to the COMN Site Coordinator and Principal Investigators. The position is a 100%-time civil service appointment, which includes health, dental, vacation and sick-time benefits, and is covered by Social Security and Minnesota State Retirement System. A background check is required, and applicants must verify authorization to work in the United States. Appointment is renewable with acceptable performance and contingent on availability of funds and/or work for the position.


Major Responsibilities

(65%) Interviews Research Participants:

• Conduct clinical assessments both in-person and via phone/Zoom, including structured interviews of psychopathology and related conditions, and neuropsychological testing.
• Thoroughly explain study, answer participant questions, and obtain informed consent or assent.
• Maintain required assessment documentation.

(15%) Recruits Study Participants:

• Contact and encourage current and potential new research participants to engage in a research protocol. Schedule assessments and maintain contact with participants prior to their appointments to ensure assessment completion. Reschedule participants as necessary.
• Maintain digital records of recruitment information and schedules in order to ensure timely and complete participation in the research protocol.

(20%) Study-Related Tasks (including but not limited to):

• Process consent forms and returned DNA samples, initiate participant payments when needed.
• Assist with training new personnel on study protocol.
• With Principal Interviewer, conduct quality control review of interviews to maintain reliability across sites
• Other study-related tasks as needed.

The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR) is a nationally-recognized team of researchers whose mission is to understand the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in the etiology and development of physical and mental health. We are housed in the Department of Psychology, in the College of Liberal Arts, at the University of Minnesota.

Applications with cover letters addressing an individual's match to the qualifications will be prioritized.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

Job Tags

Similar Jobs