Posting: Research Project Coordinator Position – University of Oregon Sleep Lab
April 28, 2022
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Submit a cover letter, vita, and the names and contact information for three professional references to the Pro Tem Research Assistant/Associate/Postdoc Open Pool at the University of Oregon. Mention the Oregon Sleep Lab and/or Dr. Casement in your cover letter. You can also contact Dr. Casement directly at casement@uoregon.edu.
Position Summary:
The Project Coordinator (PC) will work with research investigators in the Oregon Sleep Lab (OSL) to implement two NIH-funded research projects. The coordinator will oversee participant recruitment and scheduling, data collection, data safety and monitoring, data archiving, and Internal Review Board (IRB) documentation within Dr. Melynda Casement’s lab at the Center for Translational Neuroscience. The PC will also help train and oversee a team of research assistants, sleep technicians, and undergraduate researchers. This person will need to be comfortable making day-to-day decisions about the implementation of the research projects.
The research projects examine the impact of sleep and circadian rhythms on reward- and stress-related brain function and mental health in adolescents and young adults. The projects involve the collection of information about sleep and circadian characteristics, lifetime and daily stressors, reward- and stress-related brain function, and symptoms of depression and alcohol use disorder. Methods of data collection include electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electrocardiography (ECG), blood pressure (BP), saliva samples for melatonin and cortisol, laboratory behavior tasks, questionnaires, and diagnostic interviews.
The PC will organize, track, and report on recruitment and retention of research participants, data quality, data archiving, protection of human subjects, and NIH and IRB documentation. The PC will work closely with the study staff and the lab director to ensure that all procedures are completed in an accurate, timely, and professional manner. The PC is responsible for ensuring that all project staff abide by project protocols, including procedures to ensure participant safety and data confidentiality and integrity. As needed, the PC will also directly participate in assessment activities. This position requires a flexible schedule, to include evening and weekend hours to accommodate study participants' availability as needed.
Preferred candidates for the position will have experience with: 1) management of large multi-method research projects, 2) training and supervision of project staff, and 3) EEG and/or fMRI protocols and procedures. Experience with collection or analysis of other project-related biological and clinical measures is a plus (e.g., ECG, endocrine measures, psychiatric diagnostic interviews). The PC must complete and maintain appropriate safety training and certifications as needed, including the annual MRI safety training, and bi-annual CITI Human Subjects training, and Good Clinical Practice training.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in psychology, behavioral science, or a related field
- One year of experience recruiting study participants and conducting data collection with human subjects
- One year of experience with database management
- One year of experience with training and oversight of other personnel
Professional Competencies:
- Effective communication skills in English, with a specific capacity for sensitivity, confidentiality, diligence, and persistence with regard to engaging and retaining participants in study
- Familiarity with customer service techniques and the ability to relay project information
- Ability to manage multiple scheduling issues; exceptional time management skills
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and manage documentation with efficiency and accuracy
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment, requiring participatory decision making and cooperative interactions among study staff
- Knowledge of basic research methods and creative problem-solving skills
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and using the internet
Preferred Qualifications:
- Three years of research experience or progressively responsible employment in a field applicable to research, or a combination of such training and experience
- Experience with fMRI and/or EEG data collection
- Experience with IRB documentation and submission
- Experience with supervision of other personnel