Job Description Summary

The candidate will work on research studies within MUSC’s Youth Collaborative that focus on (1) understanding the effects of substance use (e.g., alcohol, cannabis, vaping) on the adolescent brain and body, and (2) evaluating treatments for youth substance use disorders.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC001039 COM PSYCH Addiction Science CC

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-04

Pay Range

32,686.00 - 46,578.50 - 60,471.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Summary: The candidate will work on research studies within MUSC’s Youth Collaborative that focus on (1) understanding the effects of substance use (e.g., alcohol, cannabis, vaping) on the adolescent brain and body, and (2) evaluating treatments for youth substance use disorders. The candidate will assist the Principal Investigators (Drs. Lindsay Squeglia and Anna Kirkland) in the recruitment of research participants, the collection of psychological and biological research data, data entry, and organizational tasks. Currently, the primary duties of this role include the coordination of two studies: one that is testing citicoline as a possible medication to treat youth alcohol use disorder and the other that focuses on how substance use may impact the oral microbiome and brain of adolescents. The candidate will be directly involved in the collection of questionnaire, interview, laboratory, neuroimaging, and other research data related to ongoing and future research studies. After-hours (evenings, weekends, lesser holidays) may be required to accommodate participants’ schedules for visit completion and/or recruitment activities. Travel around the local Charleston area may also be required.

FLSA: Hourly

Work Schedule: 5 Days a week/40 hours (Mondays - Sunday)

Remote Work Days: N/A- on campus

(30%) Conduct study visits and intake assessments, including performing diagnostic interviews consisting of structured clinical interviews and other related instruments. Document participant assessment data in research records.

(25%) Manage and lead the following research related activities:

• Study recruitment activities (e.g., outreach events, flyers, tabling);
• Screening of interested individuals;
• Managing multiple calendars for scheduling;
• Scheduling management of medical personnel for research study visits when necessary;
• Answers to questions that come through phone and email systems;
• Participant reminders of their upcoming appointments and daily surveys.

(15%) Assist with neuroimaging protocol:

• Acts as second-chair at the Center for Biomedical Imaging (CBI) during neuroimaging protocol alongside a trained operator;

• Problem solves issues that arise during clinical session and MRI scanning and participates in trouble shooting and developing alternative approaches;
• Assists with data transfer.

(15%) Perform various lab support tasks to ensure compliance and lab organization:

• Collection and testing of biospecimens: including blood, urine, saliva, breath;
  • Prepares reagents and buffers required for sample processing;
  • Uses lysis techniques to extract genomic DNA from saliva samples;
  • Performs quality control checks on extracted DNA to assess concentration and purity prior to sequencing;
  • Assists with the shipment and submission of DNA samples;
• Performs data entry and manage ongoing organization of patient data files;
• Refers patients to resources available in community and social services;
• Prepare for and lead weekly research team meetings with PIs and other study team members. Ensures meeting agendas and minutes are provided to the team.

(5%) Assist with regulatory documentation for submissions (Institutional Review Board), Continuing Reviews, Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPR), Data and Safety Monitoring Board meetings, and other reports as required.

(5%) Maintain research supplies and monitor and arrange for periodic calibration of laboratory equipment.

(5%) Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Training, Skills, and Experience: A bachelor’s degree in psychology, premed, neuroscience, biology, nursing, or other life sciences or health care field is preferred. Prior research experience in a lab, knowledge of REDCap data entry, management, reporting tools, interviewing research participants, conducting structured clinical interviews, neuropsychological tests and collecting biospecimens not required but valued. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Experience working with adolescents and emerging young adults (ages 14-25). Excellent verbal communication and problem-solving skills. Attention to detail and the ability to work independently and assure accuracy. The ability to collect, organize, and analyze information in a clear and concise manner. Must be able to work evenings and weekends, as these are the times young adults are typically available to participate in the studies.

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and three years of relevant program experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required program experience. Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work outdoors in all weather and temperature extremes. (Infrequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Infrequent) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Infrequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Infrequent) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent) Ability to reach in all directions. (Frequent) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 36 inches, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 36 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Frequent) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Frequent) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Frequent) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to hear and/or understand whispered conversations at a distance of 3 feet. (Frequent) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Frequent) Ability to work in dusty areas. (Infrequent)

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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