Research Assistant

Research Assistant

The Research Assistant will support a multidisciplinary, NIH-funded Center grant focused on understanding the relationships among sleep, circadian rhythms, brain function, mood, and behavior in adolescents. This position involves participation in a variety of research activities, including behavioral data collection, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) procedures, data management and entry, biospecimen collection and processing, and direct interaction with adolescent participants during laboratory visits.

The Research Assistant will work closely with the study coordinator, research staff, and collaborators within the Sleep and Behavioral Neuroscience Center and the Magnetic Resonance Research Center. Additional responsibilities include supporting day-to-day laboratory operations and ensuring the smooth implementation of study protocols.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced research environment. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, along with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. Candidates should be dependable, adaptable, proactive, and capable of exercising leadership and initiative when appropriate.

This position requires flexibility in scheduling, including evening and weekend hours. Availability during University of Pittsburgh academic breaks, including the summer term, is required.

This position is grant funded. Responsibilities include:

• Organize references and materials for research projects and content areas.
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions with stakeholders and internal staff.
• Conduct literature searches.
• Provide support for grant proposal and manuscript development and submission.
• Participate in meetings, trainings and seminars, both internally and externally.
• Perform data collection and entry.
• Assist in data management.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field, or current enrollment, with some experience in research environment.
• Experience in the area of Public Health, Psychology, Applied Research or Behavioral Health is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Detail oriented.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and the ability to learn various software packages as needed.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran