Lab Technician - Research Professional 1 - Temporary

The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota Medical School has an opening for a full-time, temporary (6 months) Lab Technician (Research Professional 1). The person will work as part of a team of researchers investigating the use of wearable technology for monitoring physiological signals contributing to sleep quality among military veterans, including those with a history of concussion or PTSD. The Lab Technician will serve primarily to identify, screen, and recruit eligible participants based on criteria indicated in the study protocol.

This multi-site study is funded by the Department of Defense and conducted in collaboration with the Uniformed Services University (USU) in Bethesda, MD under the direction of J. Kent Werner, MD, PhD. The Site Principal Investigator for Minneapolis is Nicholas Davenport, PhD. This position will be funded for a minimum of 6 months, with the possibility of renewal pending funding.

60% Recruitment and screening
-Identify eligible Veterans based on specified criteria for inclusion and exclusion.
-Prepare and conduct diverse mechanisms of recruitment, including patient records, flyers, and provider referrals.
-Conduct screening by phone to establish and document eligibility.

15% Communication with participants
-Build and maintain rapport with participants to maximize retention across the duration of study participation.
-Coordinate scheduling of study visits that minimizes burden on participants and study staff. Consistently document scheduling, communicate changes in a timely fashion, and provide reminders as needed to minimize cancelled or missed visits.
-Attend study visits as needed to facilitate continuity across study elements.

15% Data collection
-Administer structured interviews, neuropsychological assessments, and self-report surveys as needed.
-Assist other staff as needed to facilitate collection of high quality MRI data.

10% Administrative
-Develop reports to share study progress with PI and study staff during routine lab meetings.
-Maintain professional clearances/human studies training to be fully qualified to work with sensitive data as promulgated by the IRB, HIPAA, VHA, and other regulatory agencies.
-Independently maintain organized records and files.
-Assist with data cleaning and management per established protocols.
-Conduct background literature research on emerging scientific reports relevant to sleep disruptions associated with mTBI and sympathetic hyperactivity.
-Assist PI and collaborators with basic data analyses to address the stated aims of the funded research project
-Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, reports, posters and presentations.

Required Qualifications:
*BA/BS in Neuroscience, Psychology, or related discipline with training in mental health topics or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years
*Ability to work flexible schedule (scheduling of lab visits on evenings and weekends may be required)
*Undergraduate coursework in psychopathology and/or biopsychology
*Experience working with mental health conditions in a research or healthcare setting

Preferred Qualifications:
*Experience managing and maintaining records related to recruitment, data collection, and derived measures
*Experience establishing and maintaining rapport with Veterans in a mental health and/or research setting.

The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences consists of an outstanding team of researchers, clinicians, and educators who provide world-class expertise in psychiatric illness, treatment, scholarship, and scientific discovery.

Our mission is to:

• Create and disseminate new knowledge in the science of mental health
• Provide effective and innovative clinical care programs to alleviate the suffering of mental illness and promote mental resilience
• Train the next generation of interprofessional experts who will be leaders in Minnesota and beyond
• Engage in compassionate and vigorous outreach and advocacy on issues relevant to psychiatric illness, treatment, and research

You can find more information on our website at https://med.umn.edu/psychiatry.

Pay Range: The salary range is $22 - $23/hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100%, Temporary Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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: http://diversity.umn.edu

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).