Healthy Brain Child Development (HBCD) Research - 139861

#139861 Healthy Brain Child Development (HBCD) Research Filing Deadline: Thu 6/11/2026 UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

DESCRIPTION

UCSD Department of Pediatrics is one of the most innovative and productive academic departments in the country, offering challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of advanced educational programs, cutting‑edge research, and state‑of‑the‑art clinical services. The department is committed to providing a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees. The Division of Environmental Science & Health within the Department of Pediatrics is involved in four major areas:

1. providing clinical services to patients with birth defects and developmental disabilities;
2. providing public health services in counseling patients, providers and educating the public about pregnancy and lactation exposures and their impact on child development and health;
3. a teaching program that includes undergraduate students, graduate students in epidemiology, medical students, post‑doctoral students, pediatrics, epidemiology, health behavior, global health, pharmacy, and other specialties;
4. conducting clinical research to better understand the causes, prevention and treatment of birth defects and developmental disabilities. Research programs and projects within the Division involve federal, state and industry‑sponsored grants and contracts totaling over \$60 million, encompassing national and international studies that require complex interrelated infrastructure and shared resources within the Division and with collaborators and subcontractors outside the Division.

Under supervision, the Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Research Associate supports neurocognitive research efforts and uses neuroimaging methods in research studies. Duties include recruitment and retention of research subjects; coordinating subject appointments with facilities and staff; biological sample collection and storage; and data collection with youth and their parent/guardian. Responsibilities also include administering diagnostic interviews acquiring confidential and sensitive information including substance use during pregnancy and medical/mental health history; administering neurocognitive assessments and symptom rating scales; conducting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the offspring beginning in infancy as a certified 3T MRI scan operator (training and certification will be provided); conducting EEG and neuropsychological testing on the offspring beginning in infancy (training and certification will be provided); maintaining accurate and complete clinical research files; updating study databases and ensuring compliance with standardized protocol; and performing other duties as needed, including assisting with annual IRB and NIH reporting.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Theoretical knowledge of psychiatry, psychology, biology or a related field and previous research experience in the related field, typically attained by a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A degree in psychology or social sciences is preferred. Proficiency in using database software including Microsoft Office (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint), familiarity with using iPads and apps, and working knowledge of RedCap and E‑Prime. Demonstrated experience performing research duties in a clinical research environment and coordinating research studies; experience with following a research protocol to initiate study procedures and collect data. Experience with collecting sensitive information and communicating effectively with a diverse and high‑risk population of women or youth while maintaining confidentiality; experience with mandated reporting procedures. Demonstrated experience administering computerized and paper assessments and self‑report questionnaires to youth and/or adults. Ability to maintain current MRI Safety Training and Certification through the Center for Translational Imaging and Precision Medicine. Working knowledge of longitudinal research design and methodology. Proven ability to work with site monitors, including preparing study records for review and responding to data queries. Experience administering detailed clinical interviews in English and Spanish to youth and their parent/guardian, including demographic and mental health history and substance use questions. Proven ability to work with minimal direction and collaborate with the research team and investigators. Excellent planning and organizational skills and ability to work in a changing, multiple‑demand setting to prioritize a large volume of work and meet deadlines efficiently and accurately. Ability to become certified as a 3.0 Tesla MR scanner operator, EEG operator, and phlebotomy certified. Experience assisting with neuroimaging children under the age of 6 months. Experience abiding by study protocols and established SOPs. Willingness to complete phlebotomy training to perform blood draws; experience with centrifugation, aliquotting samples, and preparing samples for storage and shipment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated experience administering neuropsychological assessments. Understanding of IRB and NIH annual and unexpected reporting including enrollment, withdrawals, adverse events, and protocol deviations. Bilingual in English and Spanish with ability to administer questionnaires in both languages. Phlebotomy license preferred.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre‑employment physical. Must be flexible and willing to work some evenings and weekends. Willing to work at several locations (e.g., Main Campus, 7910 Frost Street, UCSD MRI facilities) including occasional travel to scanner locations. Must meet criteria for eligibility to participate in MRI scanning on high‑field strength magnets, as determined by the MR facility safety and operator training requirements. Must be willing to work with hazardous materials. PAY Pay Transparency Act: Annual Full Pay Range: \$65,208 - \$104,901 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%). Hourly Equivalent: \$31.23 - \$50.24.

DISCRIMINATION NOTICE

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California San Diego