About Job

Research Assistant - Department of Psychiatry

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant - Department of Psychiatry at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Job Purpose:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to complete laboratory based, clinical or population science research. May assist in writing research protocols and in manuscript preparation. Design and perform research protocols independently or as directed through training in more difficult or specialized procedures to meet the needs of the research protocol.

Essential Functions:

Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research. Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates. Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Assist staff with experiments/research protocols as required. Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research

Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated. Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.

Assist principal investigator with writing methods and summarizing/organizing data to be used in preparing and presenting presentations for professional, scientific and academic conferences and submittal to academic and scholarly peer-reviewed journals.

Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records. Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Unique duties:

We are seeking a highly organized and technically skilled individual to coordinate and support an innovative project using augmented reality (AR) technology for the treatment of PTSD and other anxiety disorders. This role involves overseeing coordination between the programming team, the principal investigator (PI) at WSU, and partnering clinical and clinical trial sites, ensuring smooth communication and effective project management. This position requires proficiency in coding and programming using Unity. Essential Duties: Act as the central point of contact between the computer programming team, PI, and clinical and clinical trial sites in technical support. Maintain accurate records and track regulatory documents with the DoD, NIH, State, IRB, and clinicaltrials.gov. Arrange and facilitate meetings between all parties involved. Ensure clear and consistent communication across teams. Manage the coordination of programming tasks between the these groups (programmers, WSU PI, and clinical and clinical trial sites). Keep detailed records of requirements and discussions with the programming team. Download, test, and debug software in collaboration with programmers. Work on AR character and prop descriptions. Plan and schedule meetings using platforms like Slack. Support the technology needs of the clinical and clinical trial sites by uploading software on AR headsets and computers, and help troubleshooting and running the software. Support technical needs of the STARC, including website management, REDCap management, pulling data, and other technical support. This will include data processing and analysis. Assist clinical and clinical trial sites remotely (for in and out of state), and in person for in state, with software uploads when necessary. Troubleshoot software and technology issues, providing solutions promptly. Train clinical and clinical trial site staff on using the AR technology. Be available during working hours and, if necessary, after hours for emergency support and troubleshooting. Have experience in programming with Unity and Python, and familiarize with the code used in the AR technology, and code for smaller projects. Fix minor to medium bugs in the software as needed and perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, preferred. Requires advanced knowledge

predominantly intellectual in character in a field of science or learning acquired by a prolonged

course of specialized intellectual instruction.

Experience: Entry level (less that a year of job-related experience)

Experience performing basic research techniques or interacting with human subjects, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to work independently. Ability to analyze, summarize and interpret research findings and

data in reports and spreadsheets and communicate results. Knowledge of scientific integrity

principles. Excellent time management and organization skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment. Microsoft office software skills.

Preferred qualifications:

BS Degree in Computer Science. Intermediate (experience in programming with Unity and other coding languages with deliverables) Experience in technical and software support. Familiarity with XR technology and experience with Unity software. Strong organizational and communication skills. Ability to troubleshoot and solve technical issues. Experience with platforms like Slack for team collaboration. Flexibility to be available for emergency support outside of regular working hours.

School/College/Division:

H06 - School of Medicine

Primary department:

H0613

Employment type:

Regular Employee
Job type: Full Time
Job category: Research

Funding/salary information:

Compensation type: Annual Salary
Hourly rate:
Salary minimum: TBD
Salary hire maximum: TBD

Working conditions:

Typical work environment may include a laboratory and/ or office environment. May require working non-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientific conferences.

Job openings:

Number of openings: 1
Reposted position: No
Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.