Research Specialist

The Cognitive-Affective Neuroscience and Development (CAN-D lab focuses on investigating the neurodevelopment of emotion and motivation, with a focus on the role of pubertal maturation, to understand risk of anxiety and mood disorders during adolescence.

This position will support research activities across two investigative teams, dedicating approximately 50% effort to Dr. Westbrook's ADAPT Study and 50% to Dr. Ladouceur's ongoing research projects, with a primary focus on the BRAVE Study. These studies involve similar research procedures, including neuroimaging visits, Qualtrics-based questionnaire administration, and collection of physiological measures. Additional responsibilities within Dr. Ladouceur's studies may include collecting physiological data during participant speech tasks and providing guidance for at-home salivary assay collection.

The Research Specialist will report weekly to Dr. Westbrook and Dr. Ladouceur and will play a key role in participant recruitment and study coordination, including advertising, screening, enrollment, and scheduling. This individual will administer research protocols, facilitate study procedures, maintain accurate and complete documentation, and ensure timely data storage, backup, and preprocessing. The position will also support general laboratory operations, including coordinating research meetings, organizing and maintaining research equipment, and assisting with other research-related activities as needed.

This position is grant funded.

Responsibilities:

• Interact with adolescent research participants (ages 9+ and help prepare them for study procedures, including MRI scans and anxiety-related behavioral tasks.
• Conduct participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, informed consent processes, and data collection through phone and in-person interactions.
• Administer research protocols and ensure accurate completion, documentation, storage, and organization of study data.
• Troubleshoot issues that arise during study visits, including technology-related concerns and participant safety situations requiring appropriate escalation and support.
• Collaborate with principal investigators and research staff regarding participant recruitment, data collection activities, study progress, and research outcomes.
• Support the implementation of neuroimaging, questionnaire-based, and physiological data collection procedures.
• Maintain study records, assist with regulatory and research documentation, and ensure compliance with research protocols.
• Contribute to general lab operations, including coordinating meetings, managing research materials and equipment, and supporting ongoing study needs.
• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Psychology, Neuroscience, Sociology or related research field.
• Minimum of one year of work experience in a research project and/or related clinical setting is required.
• Familiarity with computers and common software packages required.
• Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran