Research Associate I

GENERAL NOTES
Dell Medical School is seeking a Research Associate I

This is a grant funded position with an end date of September 30, 2027, renewable based on availability of funding, work performance, and progress to research goals.

JOB SUMMARY

The Research Associate I supports scientific research in the Fonzo Lab by assisting in collection of data, including clinical interview, self-report, functional neuroimaging measures acquired on a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, and electroencephalograms in healthy individuals as well as those with affective disorders, including bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. The research associate is responsible for recruiting subjects and coordinating scheduling of participant visits, participant reimbursement, and other administrative duties, maintaining positive relationships with research participants and laboratory volunteers, and organizing and facilitating meetings and educational opportunities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct Research Experiments

• Perform laboratory experiments under the guidance of senior researchers.

• Collect and analyze data through clinical interviews, behavioral measures, and other techniques.

• Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures and results.

• Data Analysis

• Analyze research data using statistical software and tools.

• Interpret results and prepare reports for review by senior researchers.

• Assist in the preparation of research publications and presentations.

• Assist with manuscripts and publications by drafting sections, reviewing content, and ensuring adherence to publication guidelines.

• Laboratory Maintenance

• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment.

• Ensure the laboratory is clean, organized, and stocked with necessary supplies.

• Follow safety protocols and procedures.

• Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with other research staff to coordinate experiments and share findings.

• Participate in team meetings and provide updates on research progress.

• Communicate effectively with external collaborators and stakeholders.

• Protocol Development

• Assist in the development and optimization of research protocols.

• Review and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) as needed.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical guidelines.

• Assist with IRB submission and management by preparing necessary documentation, coordinating with IRB representatives, and ensuring timely submission and approval.

Other duties as identified by department 

MARGINAL OR PERIODIC FUNCTIONS:

Literature Review

• Conduct literature reviews to support ongoing research projects.

• Summarize findings and present them to the research team.

Training and Mentorship

• Provide training and guidance to new research staff and interns.

• Assist in the onboarding process for new team members.

Grant Writing Support

• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications.

• Provide data and information to support grant submissions.

• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.

• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Addressing individuals and health-related information with a high degree of sensitivity and confidentiality in various delicate, formal or urgent situations.

• Outstanding organizational and time-management skills.

• Interpreting experimental results, identifying trends in data, troubleshooting experimental issues.

• Meticulous in maintaining accurate records and ensuring the precision of experiments.

• Effective in conveying research findings and collaborating with team members.

• Proficient in using laboratory equipment and scientific software.

• Coordinating experiments with colleagues, participating in team discussions, supporting team goals.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social work, neuroscience, engineering, computer science, or another STEM-related field with relevant research experience. 

• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

According to Executive Order No. GA-48 of the State of Texas: for all positions that research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), Business and Commerce Code, it is required that both candidates for employment and employees have the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree in with at least 2 year(s) of research experience actively working in data collection in a psychology, psychiatry, social work, counseling, or human subjects biomedical research laboratory .
• Previous experience with MRI and/or electroencephalogram acquisition or analysis
• Previous experience in standardized behavioral/neuropsychological assessments and clinical research

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

• None.

PREFERRED:

• Certification as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or similar certification.

SALARY RANGE

$43,733+ depending on qualifications

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT

· Standard office equipment

· Repetitive use of a keyboard

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.